Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is the most common cause of retinal damage in infancy. Incidence has recently been stable, but prevalence is increasing because of the increased survival of infants with very low birth weight about 67% of infants who weigh less than 3 pounds (1,251 g) and about 80% of infants who weigh less than 2.2 pounds (1,000 g) at birth will manifest some degree of ROP. Exposure to excessive or prolonged oxygen is the major risk for ROP, but presence of other medical complications also increases risk. Unfortunately, threshold safe levels or durations of oxygen are not known.
An eye disease in extremely premature infants. In the past, retinopathy of prematurity arose when excessive oxygen was given to manage respiratory problems and vitamin deficiencies. But now it is seen mostly in very premature infants.
A bilateral disease of the retinal vessels in preterm infants and the most prominent cause of blindness in this population. Its cause remains uncertain despite much research, but oxygen levels and other environmental factors may be factors. The disease is marked by retinal neovascularization in the first weeks of life. Retinal detachment may occur. Cryotherapy or laser photocoagulation can be curative if instituted early in the illness.
A medical condition observed in premature infants where the blood vessels within their eyes fail to develop properly, potentially leading to vision impairment or blindness in certain instances.