Other factors that may have an effect on ROP development include:
- Low birth weight
- Low gestational age
- Use of supplemental oxygen after birth
- Vitamin E deficiency
- Race (Caucasians are more at risk than African-Americans)
- Anemia
- Respiratory complications
HOW CAN WE DIAGNOSE THE RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY ?
Sometimes ROP may not be detected until several weeks after birth. Therefore, premature babies at risk for ROP should also have their eyes examined by an ophthalmologist four to six weeks following birth. If ROP is diagnosed, the exams should continue regularly until the abnormal blood vessel growth goes away on its own or is adequately treated by the ophthalmologist.
Treatment for vision problems may include one or more of the following:
- Eyeglasses
- Eyedrops
- Temporarily patching one eye (to treat amblyopia)
- Eye surgery
- All premature babies and babies with ROP need to be followed closely for vision problems.