Neonatology
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
The Retina
The retina is the light sensitive layer in the
back of the interior of the eye. During gestation,
the retina matures slowly, and its blood vessels
develop from the very back of the eye toward the
outer edge of the retina. By term, the retina
is mature, and the blood vessels are in their
fully developed positions.
ROP
When a baby is born prematurely,
it is possible that the blood vessels can develop
abnormally, a condition called retinopathy of
prematurity (ROP). Because ROP can result in visual
impairment, all premature infants receive regular
eye examinations. The examinations are performed
by ophthalmologists from the Children's
Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) who come to
the Pennsylvania Hospital ICN.
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