Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) or Terry syndrome, previously known as retrolental fibroplasia (RLF), is a disease of the eye affecting prematurely born babies generally having received intensive neonatal care, in which oxygen therapy is used on them due to the premature development of their lungs. It is thought to be caused by disorganized growth of retinal blood vesselswhich may result in scarring and retinal detachment. ROP can be mild and may resolve spontaneously, but it may lead to blindnessin serious cases. As such, all preterm babies are at risk for ROP, and very low birth-weight is an additional risk factor. Bothoxygen toxicity and relative hypoxia can contribute to the development of ROP.