• ROP: overgrowth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye that can occur in premature infants (ELBW and VLBW).
  • Prolonged use of higher concentrations of oxygen to support breathing may increase the risk of ROP
• An eye test is administered to check for ROP.
• Doctors will determine if ROP will go away on its own or if the infant needs treatment.
• Severe ROP can cause vision problems or even blindness.
• Treatment can include laser surgery to prevent the blood vessels from continuing to grow.

Reference:

AbbVie Corporation (Ed.). (2015). Preemie Parent Handbook (4th ed.). Canada: AbbVie Corportation.