Retinopathy of prematurity occurs primarily, but not exclusively, in premature infants. It refers to damage to the blood vessels of the developing eye.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) was first diagnosed in 1942. This disease was prevalent among infants in hospital nurseries throughout the early 50's. ROP is a disease that affects the retina of the eye and can cause blindness. In 1956, a research study found that premature infants who breathed oxygen higher than 50 percent in concentration had three times the risk of developing ROP.
The factors that cause ROP and determine the outcome are not fully known, but prematurity and the degree of retinal immaturity at birth are major factors. Hyperoxia (high oxygen levels) is also a major factor, but other problems, including respiratory distress, heart disease, infection and anemia may be contributory factors. In general, the lower the birth weight and the more unhealthy the infant, the greater the risk of ROP. It is now known that oxygen alone is neither sufficient nor necessary to produce ROP, and no safe level of oxygen has yet been determined.
In more than 90 percent of all infants, there is spontaneous improvement of the disease process with little or no visual disability. Less than 10 percent of all infants progress toward a severe disease that can impair vision. In selected cases, cryotherapy (gentle freezing) of the retina can reduce more severe complications. There have been some advances in surgical techniques, as well.
