Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding eye disorder that primarily affects premature infants weighing about 2¾ pounds (1250 grams) or less that are born before 31 weeks of gestation (a full-term pregnancy has a gestation of 38–42 weeks). The smaller a baby is at birth, the more likely that baby is to develop ROP. This disorder — which usually develops in both eyes — is one of the most common causes of visual loss in childhood and can lead to lifelong vision impairment and blindness. ROP was first diagnosed in 1942.

ROP occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow and spread throughout the retina, the tissue that lines the back of the eye. These abnormal blood vessels are fragile and can leak, scarring the retina and pulling it out of position. This causes a retinal detachment. Retinal detachment is the main cause of visual impairment and blindness in ROP.

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About 1,100–1,500 infants annually develop ROP that is severe enough to require medical treatment. About 400–600 infants each year in the US become legally blind from ROP.

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(Excerpts from: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinopathy-prematurity)

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Learn more:

• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/retinopathy-of-prematurity/
• March of Dimes: https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/retinopathy-of-prematurity.aspx#
• American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus: https://aapos.org/glossary/retinopathy-of-prematurity
• American Academy of Ophthalmology: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-retinopathy-prematurity