Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) affects infants who are

• A. Born Full Term
• B. Born Premature or Less Than 3 Pounds
• C. Exposed to High Oxygen Levels
• D. Family History of Glaucoma

Answer: (B)

ROP happens because the retina’s blood vessels aren’t fully developed at birth. This most commonly affects babies who are born prematurely, especially those with very low birth weight, since their retinal vessels are still maturing after birth. In the NICU environment, the need for oxygen support can disturb normal vessel growth, leading to abnormal, excessive vessel formation and scarring that can impair vision. Full‑term infants are generally not affected, and a family history of glaucoma isn’t related to this condition. While high oxygen exposure is a risk factor, prematurity and low birth weight are the strongest predictors of who develops ROP.