What is ROP?

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding disease, which in the United States affects several thousand premature infants each year. It was unknown prior to 1942 because premature infants did not survive long enough to show the effects of ROP. With improvements in the medical care of the smallest premature infants, the rate and severity of ROP have increased.

The diagnosis of ROP is made by an ophthalmologist who examines the inside of the eye. Premature infants qualify for eye examination based on their birthweight. Although a high percentage of examined babies will show some degree of ROP, most will not require surgery. Nevertheless, premature babies require lifelong follow-up by an ophthalmologist because of their increased risk for eye misalignment, amblyopia, and the need for glasses to develop normal vision.