What is R.O.P?

R.O.P stands for Retinopathy of Prematurity. Patients with R.O.P have have abnormal blood vessels and scar tissue that develop over the retina of the eye. This potentially blinding condition occurs in infants born prematurely. In many premature babies, the abnormal blood vessels simply resolve without any permanent loss of vision or vision potential. However, is some patients, the disease can be more extensive. These more severe cases may have moderate to severe loss of vision due to the scare tissue and abnormal blood vessels causing distortion or detachment of the retina.

There is treatment to prevent the loss of vision that can occur with severe cases of R.O.P Laser photocoagulation surgery has been shown to prevent or reverse the abnormal growth of vessels and scare tissue that can occur in babies with R.O.P. Babies with R.O.P may be required to see an Ophthalmologist frequently to document the progression of the disease and any changes that are occurring. Even with treatment and careful follow up, there is still a serious risk of visual loss.