pediatrics
Retinopathy of Prematurity
Introduction
Retinopathy of prematurity is a bilateral disorder of abnormal retinal vascularization in Preterm Infants , especially those of lowest birth weight. Outcomes range from normal vision to blindness. Diagnosis is by ophthalmoscopy. Treatment of severe disease may include laser photocoagulation or an antivascular endothelial growth factor agent ( The inner retinal blood vessels start growing about midpregnancy, but the retina is not fully vascularized until term. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) results if these vessels continue their growth in an abnormal pattern, forming a ridge of tissue between the vascularized central retina and the nonvascularized peripheral retina. In severe retinopathy of prematurity, these new vessels invade the vitreous. Sometimes the entire vasculature of the eye becomes engorged (plus disease). 1251 g at birth ( General reference ). The percentage is higher when many medical complications exist (eg, infection, Although the etiology of retinopathy of prematurity is multifactorial, excessive (especially prolonged) oxygen therapy is known to increase the risk. However, supplemental oxygen is often needed to adequately oxygenate the infant even though a safe level and duration of oxygen therapy have not been determined. 