Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

A developmental disorder of the retina that occurs in premature babies born before thrity two weeks.  Fragile new blood vessels in the eye grow at an abnormal rate and leak fluid, causing scarring and detachment of the retina and vision loss. Very low birth weight increases risk for  ROP, as does increased and prolonged use of oxygen and concurrent illnesses.

Treatment consists of coagulating the leaky blood vessels and, in the later stages, removing the vitreous humor. Laser surgery is used to  destroy the peripheral blood vessels, preventing their growing at an abnormal rate and causing ROP.