Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the most common causes of severe visual impairment and blindness in children worldwide. Because the blood vessels in the retina are not fully developed, changes in oxygen levels after birth can disrupt normal vascular growth, which may lead to abnormal blood vessels, bleeding, scarring, retinal detachment, and—in severe cases—blindness. The conventional treatment is laser therapy on the retina or administering injections of a vascular inhibitor into the eye. Both treatments entail various risks and require anesthesia, which should preferably be avoided for premature babies.
This article was originally published on MedicalXpress.com
