Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the leading causes of blindness in babies worldwide. ROP is a disorder associated with immaturity of the retinal blood vessels found in premature and low birthweight infants, often after receiving oxygen therapy.

Babies weighing under 1000 grams have a 30% chance of developing severe stages of ROP, and an 8% chance of becoming blind, through detachment of the retina. The risk of visual loss can be greatly diminished by laser treatment -- provided the laser is performed before the retina actually detaches. Therefore it is critically important to perform screening examinations on at-risk infants beginning in the first 4-6 weeks of age.

Examining a premature baby’s eyes requires a delicate touch; our pediatric ophthalmologists are specially trained to perform these examinations quickly, accurately, and as comfortably as possible.