Most babies with ROP see normally for their age. It is only when ROP progresses to the most severe stages that vision is threatened. Fortunately, most ROP resolves without vision loss. The trouble is, no one can predict which babies will do well and which will develop problems. Effective screening and timely treatment (when indicated […]

There are approximately 3.9 million infants born in the U.S. each year. About 14,000 are affected by ROP and 90% of those affected have only mild disease. About 1,100- 1,500 develop disease severe enough to require medical treatment and 400-600 infants each year in the U.S. become legally blind from ROP.

Birth weight and gestational age are the most important risk factors for development of severe ROP. Other factors that are associated with the presence of ROP include anemia, poor weight gain, blood transfusion, respiratory distress, breathing difficulties and the overall health of the infant. There is active research into the correlation of levels of growth […]

Ophthalmologists (Eye MD’s) who are skilled in the evaluation of infant eyes make the diagnosis of ROP. They examine the eyes after the pupils are dilated with drops. There is active research evaluating the effectiveness of digital photography for diagnosing ROP. Infants less than 1500 grams (3.3 lbs) and with a gestational age less than […]

ROP is described by its location in the eye (the zone), by the severity of the disease (the stage) and by the appearance of the retinal vessels (plus disease). The first stage of ROP is a demarcation line that separates normal from premature retina. Stage 2 is a ridge which has height and width. Stage […]

When ROP reaches a certain level of severity, called type 1, the potential for retinal detachment (and possible permanent vision loss) becomes great enough to warrant consideration of eye surgery.

There are typically two options once it is determined that a child has reached Type I ROP. The first method is laser ablation which is applied to the immature portion of the retinae. This method of treatment has been around for many years and is still the most common method of treatment. The second method […]

It is VERY IMPORTANT to have eye exams after discharge from the hospital since ROP may not be resolved before discharge. The timing of these exams is critical because delays in treatment can increase the risk of vision loss. Also, even with successful treatment of ROP, prematurity may lead to other vision abnormalities. Prematurity is […]