UCSF Children's Hospital | Critically Ill Infants

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) occurs when blood vessels in a baby's eye develop abnormally. ROP only affects premature babies, and the more premature a baby, the greater his or her risk of developing the condition. ROP is most common in babies who are born more than 12 weeks early.

ROP affects the retina, which is the tissue that lines the internal surface of the back of the eye and transmits visual information to the brain. In order to function properly, the retina requires a blood supply. While a baby is developing inside the womb, blood vessels grow that provide blood to the retina. This growth is usually completed a few weeks before a baby is born. However, when a baby is born prematurely, the blood vessels of the retina have not yet fully developed. As a result, the vessels may develop abnormally after birth. In severe cases, bleeding and scar tissue may occur, ultimately resulting in damage to the retina. This can reduce a baby's vision, and in the most severe cases, cause blindness. There is some evidence that abnormally elevated levels of oxygen in the blood may contribute to the development of ROP. Therefore, your baby will be closely monitored with blood tests and a Pulse Oximeter, a monitor placed on the skin that continuously checks the percentage of hemoglobin oxygen saturation in the blood, to avoid excessive levels of oxygen in the blood.