Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a condition seen in premature infants of low birth weight that is characterized by progressive and excessive neovascularization. In this condition, the inappropriate proliferation of blood vessels and fibrovascular tissue behind the lens prevents retinal development. The end result is severe visual deficits or even blindness of the infant afflicted. Treatment with laser photocoagulation prevents vision loss in 95% of cases.
Last updated: 30 May, 2022
Premature Premature Childbirth before 37 weeks of pregnancy (259 days from the first day of the mother’s last menstrual period, or 245 days after fertilization). Necrotizing Enterocolitis infants of low birth weight are at risk of developing hyperoxia during their care; this can lead to:
Progression of retinopathy Retinopathy Degenerative changes to the retina due to hypertension. Alport Syndrome of prematurity Prematurity Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Image by Lecturio.International classification of retinopathy Retinopathy Degenerative changes to the retina due to hypertension. Alport Syndrome uses a number of parameters to describe the disease:
Representation of the classification of retinopathy Retinopathy Degenerative changes to the retina due to hypertension. Alport Syndrome of prematurity Prematurity Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Image by Lecturio.Stages | Characteristics |
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1 | A demarcation line between the vascular and avascular Avascular Corneal Abrasions, Erosion, and Ulcers retina Retina The ten-layered nervous tissue membrane of the eye. It is continuous with the optic nerve and receives images of external objects and transmits visual impulses to the brain. Its outer surface is in contact with the choroid and the inner surface with the vitreous body. The outermost layer is pigmented, whereas the inner nine layers are transparent. Eye: Anatomy |
2 | A demarcation line grows to occupy a volume and a ridge is formed above the plane of the retina Retina The ten-layered nervous tissue membrane of the eye. It is continuous with the optic nerve and receives images of external objects and transmits visual impulses to the brain. Its outer surface is in contact with the choroid and the inner surface with the vitreous body. The outermost layer is pigmented, whereas the inner nine layers are transparent. Eye: Anatomy, protruding into the vitreous. |
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Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment is the separation of the neurosensory retina from the retinal pigmented epithelium and choroid. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, the most common type, stems from a break in the retina, allowing fluid to accumulate in the subretinal space.
Retinal Detachment (partial or subtotal)
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Retinopathy Retinopathy Degenerative changes to the retina due to hypertension. Alport Syndrome of prematurity Prematurity Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome: stages
Image by Lecturio.Fundus Fundus The superior portion of the body of the stomach above the level of the cardiac notch. Stomach: Anatomy image of the right eye Right Eye Refractive Errors at 57 days after birth. Note the wide avascular Avascular Corneal Abrasions, Erosion, and Ulcers retina Retina The ten-layered nervous tissue membrane of the eye. It is continuous with the optic nerve and receives images of external objects and transmits visual impulses to the brain. Its outer surface is in contact with the choroid and the inner surface with the vitreous body. The outermost layer is pigmented, whereas the inner nine layers are transparent. Eye: Anatomy with markedly progressed tractional changes.
Image: “ Fundus Fundus The superior portion of the body of the stomach above the level of the cardiac notch. Stomach: Anatomy image of the right eye Right Eye Refractive Errors” by Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine. License: CC BY 3.0Presence of severe, aggressive posterior retinopathy Retinopathy Degenerative changes to the retina due to hypertension. Alport Syndrome with intense plus and minimum changes in the periphery
Image: “Presence of severe aggressive posterior ROP” by Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. License: CC BY 2.0Retinal images of an infant with type 1 Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy retinopathy Retinopathy Degenerative changes to the retina due to hypertension. Alport Syndrome. A, B: Zone II stage 3 retinopathy Retinopathy Degenerative changes to the retina due to hypertension. Alport Syndrome with plus disease before treatment. C, D: Plus disease and retinopathy Retinopathy Degenerative changes to the retina due to hypertension. Alport Syndrome regressed 1 week following laser treatment.
Image: “Retinal images of an infant with type 1 Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy ROP” by US National Library of Medicine. License: CC BY 4.0The following conditions are differential diagnoses for blindness in infancy: