In Kyrgyzstan, there is an increase in activity in the area of early detection and treatment of retinopathy in premature children. This condition, which affects only those infants born prematurely, can lead to irreversible blindness without proper medical intervention.
Alina Sagynbekova, an ophthalmologist from the National Center for Maternal and Child Health, reported that this pathology arises due to the immaturity of the blood vessels and other structures of the eye. It does not develop immediately at birth but progresses as the child grows, highlighting the need for regular examinations.
Retinopathy can be diagnosed within the first three weeks after birth. All premature infants born before the 35th week of pregnancy must be examined by an ophthalmologist. In Bishkek, such examinations are conducted at the NCMMH, while in the regions, they are performed at central regional hospitals, where trained specialists carry out screenings for this condition.
Parents generally cannot independently determine the presence of the disease in its early stages, so it is important for them to consult doctors in the first weeks of the child's life.
Retinopathy is divided into several stages. The first two require constant monitoring, as changes may resolve on their own as the baby grows. However, if the condition worsens, specialized treatment is required.
If examination or treatment is delayed, it can lead to complete loss of vision and disability. Meanwhile, modern therapeutic methods show excellent results: according to statistics, 89-90% of children retain good vision after timely treatment. In some cases, the use of glasses for vision correction is possible.
Every year, access to examinations and support for premature children increases in Kyrgyzstan. Previously, the focus was on detecting diseases; now, a comprehensive system for monitoring and treatment is being developed.
In 2024–2025, there is a significant increase in the volume of ophthalmological care for at-risk children. The total number of examinations increased from 851 to 2584. At the same time, primary examinations increased moderately—from 881 to 940, while the number of follow-up examinations significantly increased—from 970 to 1644, indicating regular monitoring of patients.
Since 2024, surgeries for retinopathy in premature children have begun to be performed at the NCMMH. The number of children receiving specialized treatment increased from 42 in 2024 to 79 in 2025.
Today, doctors use advanced methods such as laser coagulation and anti-VEGF therapy, thanks to the support of the High Technologies Fund of the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as combined approaches. This indicates a shift towards more active treatment of retinopathy in the country.
Specialists emphasize that every premature baby must undergo examinations by an ophthalmologist, ENT doctor, neurologist, and pediatrician. Only a comprehensive approach and early monitoring can help detect possible deviations in time and preserve the child's health.
