What Is Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)?

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a disease of the retina affecting prematurely born babies. In neonates in whom retinal vascularization is incomplete, abnormal proliferation of immature retinal blood vessels develops due to relative lack of oxygen following the withdrawal of therapeutic oxygen. The abnormal new blood vessels that grow are fragile and prone to leakage. This can result in significant damage to the retina including the formation of scar tissue and retinal detachment. What Are the Different Types of Retinopathy of Prematurity? Retinopathy of Prematurity is graded according to its severity: Stage I through "Plus" disease (+). Stage 1: Demarcation line Stage 2: Ridge Stage 3: Ridge with extraretinal fibrovascular proliferation Stage 4: Retinal detachment "Plus" disease (+) Symptoms • Depending on severity, visual acuity varies from 20/20 to total blindness. • Variable visual field defects, usually in the central field of vision (observed during an ophthalmological examina ... more