Retinopathy of prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) refers to the fibrovascular proliferation and contraction of the avascular retina in premature infants born before 36 weeks of gestation, with low birth weight, and prolonged oxygen exposure. This can further lead to tractional retinal detachment and blindness. The incidence and severity of ROP are inversely proportional to gestational age and birth weight. Based on the severity of the lesion, ROP can be divided into stages 1 to 5, with stage 1 being the mildest and stage 5 the most severe.