Retinopathy of prematurity: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Retinopathy of prematurity | |||
| image = [[File:Eye_exam.jpg|250px]] | |||
| alt = | |||
| caption = Eye examination for retinopathy of prematurity | |||
| synonyms = ROP | |||
| pronounce = | |||
| specialty = [[Ophthalmology]] | |||
| symptoms = Abnormal blood vessel development in the [[retina]] | |||
| onset = Premature infants | |||
| duration = | |||
| types = | |||
| causes = [[Premature birth]] | |||
| risks = Low birth weight, early gestational age | |||
| diagnosis = [[Eye examination]] | |||
| differential = | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = [[Laser therapy]], [[cryotherapy]], [[anti-VEGF therapy]] | |||
| medication = | |||
| prognosis = Varies; can lead to [[blindness]] if untreated | |||
| frequency = | |||
| deaths = | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A disease of the eye affecting premature infants}} | {{Short description|A disease of the eye affecting premature infants}} | ||
[[File:Human Infant in Incubator.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Premature birth is a significant risk factor for the development of ROP.]] | |||
[[File:Human eye cross section detached retina.svg|thumb|left}|alt=Diagram of an eye, in cross-section. |The retina (red) is detached at the top of the eye.]] | |||
[[Image:ROP zones.jpg|250px|thumb|left]] | |||
[[File:Human eye cross section scleral buckle.svg|thumb|left|alt=Diagram of an eye with a scleral buckle, in cross-section. |The silicone band ([[scleral buckle]], blue) is placed around the eye. This brings the wall of the eye into contact with the detached retina, allowing the retina to re-attach.]] | |||
[[File:NEI Animation- Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)harf-size.gif|thumb|left|500px|A retinal image showing the effects of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP).]] | |||
'''Retinopathy of prematurity''' ('''ROP''') is a potentially blinding eye disorder that primarily affects premature infants. It is characterized by abnormal development of [[retina|retinal]] blood vessels. The condition can lead to [[retinal detachment]] and [[blindness]] if not properly managed. | '''Retinopathy of prematurity''' ('''ROP''') is a potentially blinding eye disorder that primarily affects premature infants. It is characterized by abnormal development of [[retina|retinal]] blood vessels. The condition can lead to [[retinal detachment]] and [[blindness]] if not properly managed. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
ROP occurs when the normal development of the retinal blood vessels is disrupted. In a full-term infant, the blood vessels of the retina finish developing in the last few weeks of pregnancy. However, in premature infants, this process is incomplete. The abnormal growth of these vessels can lead to scarring and pulling on the retina, potentially causing [[retinal detachment]]. | ROP occurs when the normal development of the retinal blood vessels is disrupted. In a full-term infant, the blood vessels of the retina finish developing in the last few weeks of pregnancy. However, in premature infants, this process is incomplete. The abnormal growth of these vessels can lead to scarring and pulling on the retina, potentially causing [[retinal detachment]]. | ||
==Risk Factors== | ==Risk Factors== | ||
Several factors increase the risk of developing ROP, including: | Several factors increase the risk of developing ROP, including: | ||
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* [[Sepsis]] | * [[Sepsis]] | ||
* [[Respiratory distress syndrome]] | * [[Respiratory distress syndrome]] | ||
==Stages== | ==Stages== | ||
ROP is classified into five stages, ranging from mild (Stage 1) to severe (Stage 5): | ROP is classified into five stages, ranging from mild (Stage 1) to severe (Stage 5): | ||
| Line 21: | Line 46: | ||
* '''Stage 4''': Partial retinal detachment. | * '''Stage 4''': Partial retinal detachment. | ||
* '''Stage 5''': Total retinal detachment. | * '''Stage 5''': Total retinal detachment. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
ROP is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist. The examination involves dilating the infant's pupils and using an ophthalmoscope to view the retina. Regular screenings are recommended for at-risk infants. | ROP is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist. The examination involves dilating the infant's pupils and using an ophthalmoscope to view the retina. Regular screenings are recommended for at-risk infants. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for ROP depends on the severity of the condition. Options include: | Treatment for ROP depends on the severity of the condition. Options include: | ||
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* '''Anti-VEGF injections''': Medications injected into the eye to inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels. | * '''Anti-VEGF injections''': Medications injected into the eye to inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels. | ||
* '''Surgery''': In advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to reattach the retina. | * '''Surgery''': In advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to reattach the retina. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for infants with ROP varies. Many infants with mild ROP improve without treatment and have normal vision. However, severe ROP can lead to significant visual impairment or blindness. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes. | The prognosis for infants with ROP varies. Many infants with mild ROP improve without treatment and have normal vision. However, severe ROP can lead to significant visual impairment or blindness. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventive measures focus on minimizing risk factors, such as careful monitoring of oxygen levels in premature infants and ensuring proper prenatal care to reduce the risk of premature birth. | Preventive measures focus on minimizing risk factors, such as careful monitoring of oxygen levels in premature infants and ensuring proper prenatal care to reduce the risk of premature birth. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Premature birth]] | * [[Premature birth]] | ||
* [[Blindness]] | * [[Blindness]] | ||
* [[Retinal detachment]] | * [[Retinal detachment]] | ||
* [[Ophthalmology]] | * [[Ophthalmology]] | ||
{{Medical resources | |||
| DiseasesDB = 11442 | |||
| ICD10 = {{ICD10|H|35|1|h|30}} | |||
| ICD9 = {{ICD9|362.20}}, {{ICD9|362.21}} | |||
| ICDO = | |||
| MedlinePlus = 001618 | |||
| MeshID = D012178 | |||
| OMIM = 133780 | |||
| Orphanet = 90050 | |||
| eMedicineSubj = oph | |||
| eMedicineTopic = 413 | |||
| eMedicine_mult = {{eMedicine2|ped|1998}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Eye pathology}} | |||
{{stub}} | |||
[[Category:Blindness]] | |||
[[Category:Disorders of choroid and retina]] | |||
[[Category:Neonatology]] | |||
[[Category:Eye diseases]] | [[Category:Eye diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Neonatology]] | [[Category:Neonatology]] | ||
[[Category:Pediatrics]] | [[Category:Pediatrics]] | ||
Latest revision as of 06:40, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Retinopathy of prematurity | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | ROP |
| Pronounce | |
| Specialty | Ophthalmology |
| Symptoms | Abnormal blood vessel development in the retina |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Premature infants |
| Duration | |
| Types | |
| Causes | Premature birth |
| Risks | Low birth weight, early gestational age |
| Diagnosis | Eye examination |
| Differential diagnosis | |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Laser therapy, cryotherapy, anti-VEGF therapy |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | Varies; can lead to blindness if untreated |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | |
A disease of the eye affecting premature infants





Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding eye disorder that primarily affects premature infants. It is characterized by abnormal development of retinal blood vessels. The condition can lead to retinal detachment and blindness if not properly managed.
Pathophysiology[edit]
ROP occurs when the normal development of the retinal blood vessels is disrupted. In a full-term infant, the blood vessels of the retina finish developing in the last few weeks of pregnancy. However, in premature infants, this process is incomplete. The abnormal growth of these vessels can lead to scarring and pulling on the retina, potentially causing retinal detachment.
Risk Factors[edit]
Several factors increase the risk of developing ROP, including:
- Premature birth, particularly before 31 weeks of gestation
- Low birth weight, especially less than 1500 grams
- High levels of oxygen therapy
- Sepsis
- Respiratory distress syndrome
Stages[edit]
ROP is classified into five stages, ranging from mild (Stage 1) to severe (Stage 5):
- Stage 1: Mildly abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Stage 2: Moderately abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Stage 3: Severely abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Stage 4: Partial retinal detachment.
- Stage 5: Total retinal detachment.
Diagnosis[edit]
ROP is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist. The examination involves dilating the infant's pupils and using an ophthalmoscope to view the retina. Regular screenings are recommended for at-risk infants.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for ROP depends on the severity of the condition. Options include:
- Laser therapy: Used to stop the abnormal growth of blood vessels.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing treatment to prevent further retinal damage.
- Anti-VEGF injections: Medications injected into the eye to inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
- Surgery: In advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to reattach the retina.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for infants with ROP varies. Many infants with mild ROP improve without treatment and have normal vision. However, severe ROP can lead to significant visual impairment or blindness. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures focus on minimizing risk factors, such as careful monitoring of oxygen levels in premature infants and ensuring proper prenatal care to reduce the risk of premature birth.
See also[edit]


