Retinopathy of prematurity

What it is

Retinopathy of prematurity affects the developing blood vessels at the junction of the vascular and non-vascularised retina, where there is vascular proliferation.

Causes and risk

It is one of the medical problems associated with pre term birth, and it is mainly due to too much oxygen therapy.

How it is diagnosed

Premature infants are screened by an ophthalmologic retinal exam, and when it is done is based on gestational age and birth weight.

Retinopathy of prematurity is also one of the differential diagnoses of leukocoria, the white reflex in which the red reflex is absent, alongside cataract, retinoblastoma, toxocariasis and retinal detachment.