Retinopathy of Prematurity
What is Retinopathy of Prematurity ?
Retinopathy of Prematurity is abnormal growth of blood vessels in
a baby's eye. Retinopathy of Prematurity is typically found in babies born more than 12 weeks
early. In development, blood vessels grow from the back central part of
the eye out toward the edges. This process is completed just a few weeks
before the normal time of delivery. In premature babies this process is
not complete. If blood vessel growth proceeds normally, the baby does not
develop Retinopathy of Prematurity. If the vessels grow and branch abnormally the baby has
Retinopathy of Prematurity. Retinopathy of Prematurity carries a high risk
of blindness and is, in fact, a leading cause of childhood blindness.
Organizations:
Association for Retinopathy of Prematurity and Related Retinal Diseases
(ROPARD) (exit DHS)
P.O. Box 250425
Franklin, MI 48025
Email: ropard@yahoo.com
Foundation for Fighting Blindness
(exit DHS)
11435 Cronhill Drive
Owings Mills, MD 21117-2220
Toll Free: (888) 394-3937
TDD: (800) 683-5555
Email: info@blindness.org
Resources:
Understanding
Retinopathy of Prematurity (exit
DHS)
Retinopathy of Prematurity information: The
Family Village, Waisman Center - University of Wisconsin -
Madison (exit DHS)
Last Revised:
May 03, 2012 |
