Overview
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an important cause of visual impairment in premature babies born before 32 weeks gestation. Premature babies born at <32 weeks gestation or weighing <1500 g and receiving oxygen therapy are screened for ROP.
At around week 16, the foetal retina begins vascularisation and the eye develops rapidly between weeks 28 to 40. It is thought that over-oxygenation (such as by ventilation) can lead to excessive retinal blood proliferation (neovascularisation) once the excess oxygen environment is removed.
Management
Overview
Management may involve laser treatment and in some cases, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections.
