Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a condition that affects premature babies, where the blood vessels on the retina don't fully develop, leading to abnormal growth, leakage, and scarring. Babies born before the 28th week of pregnancy, weighing less than 1,500 grams, or needing oxygen treatment after birth are at higher risk. ROP can result in permanent vision loss and may coexist with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI). It progresses through stages, with stages 1 to 2 usually healing without treatment, while stages 3 to 5 entail increasingly severe vision impairment, potentially leading to complete blindness. Treatment options range from monitoring to laser therapy or surgery. In educational settings, adaptations like sloped boards, reading windows, high color contrast, and orientation time can aid affected children. Regular check-ups are crucial to prevent worsening beyond manageable stages.