Oxygen-induced Retinopathy

Oxygen-induced Retinopathy (also known as Retinopathy of Prematurity) is a disease that affects premature babies and can cause vision loss. It occurs when babies are exposed to too much oxygen in the womb or in an incubator after they are born. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels in the retina of the eye. The severity of the changes depends on the amount of oxygen and other factors, such as the baby’s age and gestational age. Early detection and treatment are important, as it can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. The most common treatments include laser surgery, cryotherapy, and intravitreal injections. Depending on the severity of the disease, infants may require follow-up care and monitoring to ensure their vision is not affected long-term.