The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is retinopathy of prematurity? " � Retinopathy of prematurity (also called "ROP " �) is an eye condition that happens in babies who are born very early or are very small. In ROP, extra blood vessels grow inside the eye. They can damage the tissue at the back of the eye, called the "retina. " � This part of the eye contains the cells that react to light. Damage to the retina can cause vision problems and even blindness. � �
ROP usually goes away as a baby grows. But if ROP is severe, a baby might need treatment. � �
What are the symptoms of ROP? " � ROP does not usually cause symptoms. But if a baby is born very early or is very small, doctors will check for signs of ROP. � �
Is there a test for ROP? " � Yes. An eye doctor with special training in caring for newborn babies can do an exam to check for ROP. A baby might not need this exam until he or she is 4 to 8 weeks old. � �
After the first exam, an eye doctor will probably check your babys eyes every 1 to 3 weeks. He or she can check to see if the ROP is getting worse or better. If it gets worse, your baby might need treatment. � �
How is ROP treated? " � Some babies do not need any treatment for ROP. But severe ROP needs treatment. If severe ROP is not treated, it can cause blindness. � �
Doctors usually treat ROP with a procedure called "photocoagulation. " � This treatment uses a powerful light called a "laser " � to seal or destroy the extra blood vessels. � �
Sometimes, ROP pulls the retina out of its normal place in the eye. When this happens, it is called a "retinal detachment. " � Doctors can do surgery to put the retina back in place. But there might be too much damage for surgery to fix it completely. If this happens to your baby, he or she might not see well from that eye. � �
Can ROP be prevented? " � Right now, doctors do not have a good way to keep babies from getting ROP. But if your baby needs eye exams to check for ROP, make sure you go to all the appointments. If you do this, your baby can get treatment for ROP if he or she needs it. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 83444 Version 2.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 � �
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