Retinopathy of prematurity:

Premature babies are at risk for development of abnormal growth of retinal blood vessels. This may result in scarring and damage to the retina, including retinal detachment.

Retinopathy of prematurity is often mild and may resolve spontaneously , but in cases where progression is noted treatment with laser can significantly improve prognosis.

All premature babies are screened for ROP. If a problem is identified, screening will continue at regular intervals. If treatment is deemed necessary, surgery, usually with laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy, a kind of freezing, is performed.

Please note that new improved standards have recently been adopted based in the Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity. This presentation does not yet incorporate all the newest standards. It is meant to provide you with an overview of the condition.

Click on the button below to look at the power point presentation on Retinopathy of Prematurity