Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

ROP is an eye disorder that occurs when blood vessels in the back of the eye (retina) grow abnormally. It is most common in premature infants, or those born prior to 31 weeks gestation.

ROP is a disease of disorganized vascular development in the immature retina which in the worst case leads to retinal detachment and blindness.Risk factors include prematurity and low birth weight (<2000 grams).

Recently has been emerging as a leading cause of childhood blindness due to increased survival of preterm babies.