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.

Organization:

Association for Retinopathy of Prematurity and Related Retinal Diseases (ROPARD)  (exit DHFS)
P.O. Box 250425
Franklin, MI 48025
Email: ropard@yahoo.com

Foundation for Fighting Blindness (exit DHFS)
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: University of Wisconsin Medical School, Department of Pediatrics   (exit DHFS)

Retinopathy of Prematurity information: The Family Village, Waisman Center - University of Wisconsin - Madison  (exit DHFS)

Last Revised: September 08, 2006