From Preemie to First Eye Exam: What NICU Parents Should Know

Dr. Rupa Wong, a board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist, discusses the importance of follow-up eye exams for premature babies after discharge from the NICU. She explains that even if the retina is fully mature, follow-ups are necessary to monitor vision development and address issues like farsightedness, strabismus, and amblyopia. Wong emphasizes the need for a six-month checkup to ensure proper visual development and to address any potential eye alignment or refractive errors. She advises parents to ask specific questions about their baby's vision tracking, eye alignment, and potential need for glasses or surgery. Wong reassures parents that while delayed visual maturation is common, early intervention can significantly improve long-term visual outcomes.