The ROP Foundation "Helping premature babies and children see a brighter future"
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As Parents, we all want to do what is best for our children. We know that when a baby is first diagnosed with ROP, the terminology is so hard to understand. We have tried to simplify the terms here as much as possible for the parents. Remember, we are parents too so we understand what you have been through. Seek answers while your baby is still in the NICU.
Neonatal nurses and doctors are more knowledgeable about Retinopathy of Prematurity than Pediatricians. Remember that you are your babies advocate. Never be afraid to ask questions.
Neonatal nurses and doctors are more knowledgeable about Retinopathy of Prematurity than Pediatricians. Remember that you are your babies advocate. Never be afraid to ask questions.
What happens when ROP develops?
Stage I — Mildly abnormal blood vessel growth. Many children who develop stage I improve with no treatment and eventually develop normal vision. The disease resolves on its own without further progression.
Stage II — Moderately abnormal blood vessel growth. Many children who develop stage II improve with no treatment and eventually develop normal vision. The disease resolves on its own without further progression.
Stage III — Severely abnormal blood vessel growth. The abnormal blood vessels grow toward the center of the eye instead of following their normal growth pattern along the surface of the retina. Some infants who develop stage III improve with no treatment and eventually develop normal vision. However, when infants have a certain degree of Stage III and "plus disease" develops, treatment is considered.
"Plus disease" means that the blood vessels of the retina have become enlarged and twisted, indicating a worsening of the disease. Treatment at this point has a good chance of preventing retinal detachment.
Stage IV — Partially detached retina. Traction from the scar produced by bleeding, abnormal vessels pulls the retina away from the wall of the eye.
Stage V — Completely detached retina and the end stage of the disease. If the eye is left alone at this stage, the baby can have severe visual impairment and even blindness.
Most babies who develop ROP have stages I or II.
However, a number of babies develope the more advanced stages of ROP and sometimes very rapidly.
If left untreated ROP threatens to destroy vision so please if you have already been released from the NICU have your baby's eyes followed up with an Ophthamologist.
