Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is one of the most common impairments of children who are blind or visually impaired. Babies that are born at thirty weeks or earlier or are less than three pounds are at risk. ROP involves abnormal growth of the blood vessels in the retina, the back of the eye. When blood vessels stop normal growth, new vessels grow through a process called neovascularization (NV). In more severe stages, treatments are needed to prevent damage or fix detached retinas. If the retinas are completely detached, treatments may no longer be helpful in every case. It is extremely important for children to have consistent eye exams to check for worse stages to develop or for problems they are more susceptible to, such as nearsightedness, crossed eyes, or amblyopia. Laser treatments, injections, or surgery may be used to correct ROP or prevent further damage. To learn more, please visit https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinopathy-prematurity.
