Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a serious eye condition that occurs in premature babies, caused by abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina. If left untreated, severe ROP can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness.
📌 Fact: ROP is one of the leading causes of childhood blindness worldwide, but early screening and treatment can prevent severe complications.
🩺 What Causes ROP?
In the womb, a baby’s eye blood vessels develop gradually and complete growth near the full-term (40 weeks) mark. However, in preterm babies, the blood vessels are underdeveloped at birth and may:
🔹 Grow abnormally – New blood vessels form too quickly or in the wrong direction.
🔹 Be fragile and leaky – Leading to bleeding, scarring, and retinal detachment.
🔹 Cause retinal damage – In severe cases, the retina can detach, causing blindness.
📌 Fact: ROP primarily affects babies born before 31 weeks or weighing less than 1,500 grams (3.3 lbs).
🚨 Who Is at Risk for ROP?
The risk of ROP increases with:
❌ Premature birth (especially before 30 weeks gestation).
❌ Low birth weight (under 1,500g or 3.3 lbs).
❌ High oxygen therapy – Excess oxygen can trigger abnormal blood vessel growth.
❌ Neonatal infections or breathing problems – Can contribute to oxygen imbalances.
📌 Fact: Nearly 90% of babies with mild ROP improve without treatment, but severe cases require medical intervention.
🔍 How Is ROP Diagnosed?
ROP is detected through a retinal examination performed by an ophthalmologist, usually at:
👶 4-6 weeks after birth for preemies born before 30 weeks.
👶 31-32 weeks corrected gestational age if born between 27-30 weeks.
The condition is classified into five stages, ranging from mild (Stage 1) to severe (Stage 5 – complete retinal detachment and blindness).
📌 Fact: Early detection through routine eye screenings is crucial for preventing blindness.
🛑 How Is Severe ROP Treated?
If ROP progresses to a high-risk stage, treatment is needed to stop abnormal blood vessel growth and protect vision.
✔ Laser Therapy (Photocoagulation) – Destroys abnormal blood vessels to prevent retinal detachment.
✔ Anti-VEGF Injections – Medications like bevacizumab (Avastin) slow blood vessel growth.
✔ Surgery (Vitrectomy or Scleral Buckling) – Used in severe cases to reattach the retina.
📌 Fact: When treated early, many babies with ROP can maintain useful vision or even normal eyesight.
📌 Final Thoughts
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a serious but preventable condition affecting premature infants. Early screening and timely treatment can prevent blindness and improve vision outcomes for at-risk babies.
