Retinopathy of prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity
Other namesTerry syndrome, retrolental fibroplasia (RLF)
SpecialtyOphthalmology 

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease of the eye affecting prematurely born babies, where the blood vessels of the retina do not develop normally. It primarily affects premature babies who receive neonatal intensive care, especially when supplemental oxygen therapy is used to support breathing. The manifestations of ROP span a spectrum: incomplete development of retinal blood vessels; development of pathological (harmful) retinal blood vessels (which leak and bleed); retinal fibrosis (scarring); and finally retinal detachment. The outcomes of ROP ranges from spontaneous resolution to blindness.

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