Abstract

RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY: A REVIEW OF RISK FACTORS AND COMORBIDITIES

Rizvi S. A., Haque O. I., Akhtar N., Maheshwari R. and Dr. Abdul Waris*

Abstract

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disorder of the developing blood vessels in the premature retina and is a very important and preventable cause of childhood blindness. It usually affects premature babies who are exposed to certain risk factors to which it is found to be associated with. Recent advancements in neonatal care have led to an increase in the survival of low birth weight and premature infants, resulting in a rise of ROP incidence. This article aims to review studies done to find out risk factors and comorbidities associated with ROP.

Keywords: Retinopathy of Prematurity, gestational age, childhood blindness, low birth weight, sepsis, oxygen therapy, apnea, blood transfusion.