What is the etiology of Retinopathy of Prematurity?

• A. Delayed Retinal Vascular Growth Followed by Hypoxia
• B. Excessive Retinal Vascular Growth
• C. Direct Injury to the Optic Nerve
• D. Intraocular Infection

Answer: (A)

Retinopathy of Prematurity is driven by abnormal retinal vascular development in premature infants. The process starts with delayed or arrested retinal vascular growth after birth, leaving portions of the retina avascular. Those avascular areas become relatively hypoxic as the retina grows, which then triggers the release of angiogenic factors and leads to abnormal, fragile neovascularization. This two-phase sequence—vaso-obliteration with delayed vascularization followed by hypoxia-driven neovascular growth—produces the characteristic retinal changes and potential vision loss if untreated. It’s not caused by direct optic nerve injury, intraocular infection, or simply excessive vessel growth from other causes.