Retinopathy of Prematurity

	Retinopathy of Prematurity What is retinopathy of prematurity? Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disorder of the blood vessels of the retina (the light sensitive part of the eye). ROP is most common in premature babies. Generally, the more premature the baby and the lower the birthweight, the greater the risk for developing ROP. This disorder has in the past been called fibroplasia.
	What causes retinopathy of prematurity?
	The exact mechanism of ROP is not fully understood. The retina is the thin layer of light-sensitive nerve fibers and cells that covers the inside and back of the eye. The blood vessels of the retina are not completely developed until the baby reaches full term. When a baby is born prematurely, the blood vessels may not have fully developed. They may have growth of abnormal blood vessels, or damage and scarring of existing blood vessels in the retina. The scarring and bleeding can lead to retinal scarring or detachment from the back of the eye, resulting in vision loss.
	Why is retinopathy of prematurity a concern?
	There are four stages of ROP, from a mild Stage 1 to severe Stage 4 when the retina detaches in the eye. Fortunately, about 90 percent of babies with Stage 1 and 2 ROP show improvement without treatment. However, about half of babies with Stage 3 and most of those with Stage 4 may develop serious eye damage. Each year, approximately 400 to 600 children are blinded by ROP.
	Management of retinopathy of prematurity:
	In 1997, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) developed recommendations for babies at risk for ROP. These guidelines include the following:
	Wye examination, by a qualified ophthalmologist, for low birthweight and/or premature babies who are at risk for ROP. Eye examination should be done at 4 to 6 weeks of age, or when the baby reaches 31 to 33 weeks gestational age. Follow-up eye examinations at appropriate times. Considering babies with severe categories of ROP for treatment within 72 hours of diagnosis.
	Treatment of retinopathy of prematurity:
	Early diagnosis of damage is important in the treatment of ROP. Babies who develop severe ROP may benefit from a treatment called cryopexy that uses freezing to stop further damage from occurring. Another treatment uses laser photocoagulation to create small burns, thus, producing scars. These scars seal the borders of the retina helping prevent detachment.
	Prevention of retinopathy of prematurity:
	Preventing premature births is the key to preventing ROP. However, research is ongoing to find ways to treat this and other problems of premature babies.
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