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Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding eye disorder that
primarily affects premature infants with low birth weight and short gestational age. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow and spread throughout the retina, the innermost layer of the eye. If left untreated, ROP can cause severe visual impairment and even blindness. Therefore, early detection, prompt referral, and timely treatment are crucial to prevent long-term visual impairment in premature infants. Understanding the risk factors and screening guidelines for ROP, as well as its diagnosis and management, is essential for healthcare professionals who work with premature infants.
There are no signs of ROP that you can see. In advanced cases of ROP, the retina may partially or completely pull away from its normal position at the back of the eye. This is called retinal detachment — and it can cause vision loss and blindness.
Educating parents and increasing their awareness about ROP should start weeks before the first screening appointment is planned. Parents need to be given time to absorb the information and to ask questions or express their concerns and do so at their own pace. It is important to take into account the amount of information each parent wants at any specific time.
