Mercy Eye Center

Pediatric Conditions
Retinopothy of Prematurity(ROP)

ROP is a retinal disease that affects underweight premature infants. Babies born before 36 weeks of gestation can have an abnormal amount of fragile retinal blood vessels that are more likely to leak. Leaking fluid can create scar tissue and cause the retina to detach. There are four stages to ROP, from least to most serious (Stages 1 – 4). Most often ROP is diagnosed before the newborn infant is discharged or at the baby’s first well child visit. When severe enough, the treatment involves destroying the oxygen-deprived areas of the infant’s retina. A surgeon can choose either laser surgery or cryotherapy. As the disease progresses surgical options can also include sclera buckling or vitrectomy.