Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), previously known as retrolental fibroplasia (RLF), is an eye disease that affects prematurely born babies. It is thought to be caused by disorganized growth of retinal blood vessels which may result in scarring and retinal detachment. ROP can be mild and may resolve spontaneously, but may lead to blindness in serious cases. As such, all preterm babies are at risk for ROP, and very low birth weight is an additional risk factor. Both oxygen toxicity and relative hypoxia can contribute to the development of ROP.
PathophysiologyNormally, maturation of the retina proceeds in-utero, and at term the mature infant has fully vascularized retina. However, in preterm infants, the retina is often not fully vascularized. ROP occurs when the development of the retinal vasculature is arrested and then proceeds abnormally. The key disease element is fibrovascular proliferation. This is growth of abnormal new vessels that may regress, but frequently progresses. Associated with the growth of these new vessels is fibrous tissue (scar tissue) that may contract to cause retinal detachment. Multiple factors can determine whether the disease progresses, including overall health, birth weight, the stage of ROP at initial diagnosis, and the presence or absence of "plus disease". Supplemental oxygen exposure, while a risk factor, is not the main risk factor for development of this disease. Restricting supplemental oxygen use does not necessarily reduce the rate of ROP, and may raise the risk of other hypoxia-related systemic complications.[citation needed]Other physicians have suggested that supplemental oxygen, specifically oxygen tents given to pre-term infants specifically causes ROP. The hypothesized mechanism involves the degradation and developmental cessation of blood vessels in the presence of excess oxygen. When the excess oxygen environment is removed, the blood vessels begin forming rapidly again and grow into the vitreous humor of the eye from the retina, sometimes leading to blindness. This does not preclude the dangers of hypoxic environments for premature infants.
Patients with ROP are at greater risk for strabismus, glaucoma, cataracts and myopia later in life, and should be examined yearly to help prevent and treat these conditions.
Retinopathy of prematurity is a condition in which the blood vessels in the baby's eyes do not develop normally, and can, in some cases, result in blindness.
RIPROP is a group that raises money for research into preventative measures and treatment for premature babies affected by Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP).
night blindness and congenital syphillis
1) Regional Occupational Program 2) Retinopathy of Prematurity
The medical conditions that may occur are respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enerocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, apnea of prematurity, patent ductus arteriosus, retinopathy of prematurity.
ROP stands for Retinopathy of prematurity which is an eye disease that affects premature babies. ROP also is the stock market abbreviation used for Roper Industries, Inc.
In diabetic retinopathy, the retinopathy is the manifestation.
In 2001, scientists reported that gene therapy may one day help halt or perhaps prevent blood vessel overgrowth that leads to diabetic retinopathy.
Yellow discoloration of skin and whites of the eyes that results from excess bilirubin in the body's system.
The latest research is a new medication (17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate) which may help to prevent spontaneous premature births.
Nonproliferative retinopathy has a better prognosis than proliferative retinopathy. Prognosis depends upon the extent of the retinopathy, the cause, and promptness of treatment.
What is Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)This information was developed by the National Eye Institute to help patients and their families search for general information about retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). An eye care professional who has examined the patient's eyes and is familiar with his or her medical history is the best person to answer specific questions. What is retinopathy of prematurity?Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding eye disorder that primarily affects premature infants weighing about 2¾ pounds (1250 grams) or less that are born before 31 weeks of gestation (A full-term pregnancy has a gestation of 38 42 weeks). The smaller a baby is at birth, the more likely that baby is to develop ROP. This disorder which usually develops in both eyes is one of the most common causes of visual loss in childhood and can lead to lifelong vision impairment and blindness. ROP was first diagnosed in 1942.Frequently Asked Questions about Retinopathy of PrematurityHow many infants have retinopathy of prematurity?Today, with advances in neonatal care, smaller and more premature infants are being saved. These infants are at a much higher risk for ROP. Not all babies who are premature develop ROP. There are approximately 3.9 million infants born in the U.S. each year; of those, about 28,000 weigh 2¾ pounds or less. About 14,000 16,000 of these infants are affected by some degree of ROP. The disease improves and leaves no permanent damage in milder cases of ROP. About 90 percent of all infants with ROP are in the milder category and do not need treatment. However, infants with more severe disease can develop impaired vision or even blindness. About 1,100 1,500 infants annually develop ROP that is severe enough to require medical treatment. About 400 600 infants each year in the US become legally blind from ROP.