Retinopathy

Alternative names:

retinopathy of prematurity; retrolental fibroplasia; ROP

Definition:

Inflammation of the retina of the premature infant. The severe form is characterized by retinal vascular proliferation and scarring, and retinal detachment.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye disease generally associated with a sick premature infant and whose severity is proportional to the degree of prematurity and how sick the infant is. The exact mechanism leading to ROP is not fully understood, but contributing factors (besides prematurity and illness) include too much oxygen (hyperoxia), too little oxygen (hypoxia), respiratory distress and its derangements in blood gasses, infection, and congenital heart disease.

Subtle changes of ROP in the retina of premature infants is a common finding but only approximately 1 out of 10 infants with early changes will progress to more severe retinal disease. In severe ROP, abnormal blood vessel growth takes place in the retina and into structures other than the retina, such as the normally clear gel (vitreous humor) that fills the eye. The abnormal growth causes scarring. As the scar tissue contracts it pulls the retina loose from the inner surface of the eye and draws it toward the center of the globe, producing a funnel-shaped appearance to the retina. This can result in extreme distortion of vision or complete blindness.