Snapshot A neonate who received 40 days of supplemental oxygen is evaluated for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Examination of the infant's eyes shows a thickened, demarcated line and formation of an intraretinal ridge bilaterally. Summary A retinal vasculoproliferative disorder in premature infants login to view 1 more bullet Epidemiology Risk factors login to view 3 more bullets Pathophysiology Normally, oxygen tension in the uterus is low, promoting normal vascular growth of the eyes Premature birth exposes the infant to a high oxygen tension environment before neuronal and vascular retinal development has completed login to view 1 more bullet Hypoxic injury to the retina increases vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production, resulting in proliferation of new and leaky blood vessels that poorly perfuse the retina Presentation Physical exam login to view 4 more bullets Differential Congenital cataract login to view 2 more bullets Treatment Surgical login to view 6 more bullets Complications Blindness Retinal detachment Prognosis Severe retinopathy of prematurity may lead to longterm visual loss or blindness Most mild retinopathy of prematuriy regress without treatment