Retinopathy of Prematurity (Retrolental Fibroplasia)

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a blinding disease that affects premature, low birth weight infants. (Read about "Preterm Labor") It is also called retrolental fibroplasia.

Eyesight depends on a complex series of interactions between the different parts of the eye. (Read about "The Eye") ROP spurs the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the back of the eye. These vessels leak fluid and blood and scar the nerve tissue inside the eye, increasing the risk of retinal detachment (Read about "Retinal Detachment") and severe vision loss in infants.

The National Eye Institute (NEI) says because it follows an unpredictable course, ROP presents doctors with difficult treatment decisions. In many infants, the disease spontaneously regresses and spares vision. However, in some infants ROP progresses, resulting in serious visual impairment. Recent studies say that early treatment can make a major difference, according to NEI. (Read about "Clinical Studies")

Each year ROP affects an estimated 14,000 - 16,000 premature, low birth weight infants in the United States and thousands more worldwide, making it a leading cause of vision loss in children. Of these cases, approximately 1500 infants will develop severe ROP that requires treatment. Despite available treatment, about 400 - 600 infants with ROP still become legally blind each year. Researchers have identified birth weight of 2.75 pounds (1250 grams) or less as a major risk factor for developing ROP.

The National Eye Institute (NEI) says less severe cases of ROP can resolve on their own. In more advanced cases, laser therapy or cryotherapy are often used. Laser therapy burns away the periphery of the retina, which has no normal blood vessels. With cryotherapy, physicians use an instrument that generates freezing temperatures to briefly touch spots on the surface of the eye that overlie the periphery of the retina. Both laser treatment and cryotherapy destroy the peripheral areas of the retina, slowing or reversing the abnormal growth of blood vessels. Unfortunately, the treatments also destroy some side vision. However, NEI says central vision - which we need for activities such as reading, sewing and driving - is preserved.

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