---
title: "Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What retinopathy of prematurity is, why premature babies need eye screening per NHS and WHO guidance, and how laser or injection treatment protects sight."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/retinopathy-of-prematurity/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina of babies born prematurely. It is a leading cause of childhood vision loss worldwide but can be treated when found early through routine screening in neonatal units. Most mild cases resolve without treatment.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Who is affected
4. Detection and treatment
5. Long-term follow-up
6. Related conditions
7. Related symptoms
8. Practical guides
9. Treatments & Surgery
10. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

ROP affects the developing retina in babies born early, when blood vessels have not finished growing normally. In some cases vessels grow abnormally and can pull on or scar the retina, risking vision loss.

## Who is affected

ROP is screened in babies born very prematurely or at very low birth weight, following national guidelines. Parents of premature babies should know that eye screening is routine and not a sign that something has already gone wrong.

- Babies born before about 31 weeks or under about 1.5 kg birth weight in many programmes
- Screening in hospital before discharge and sometimes after
- Most babies have mild changes that resolve

## Detection and treatment

Specialist examination of the retina detects ROP and grades its severity. Mild disease is monitored. Severe cases may need laser treatment, injections into the eye, or surgery to protect vision.

## Long-term follow-up

Children who had ROP, especially if treated, need ongoing eye checks for short-sightedness, squint, lazy eye and glaucoma. Early support helps children reach their best vision.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Practical guides

## Treatments & Surgery

## Frequently asked questions

### Why are premature babies screened for eye problems?

Premature birth interrupts normal retinal vessel development, which can lead to ROP. Screening finds treatable disease early, which is why neonatal units follow structured eye check programmes.

### Can retinopathy of prematurity be cured?

Many mild cases resolve on their own. Severe ROP can be treated with laser, injections or surgery to reduce vision loss, which is why screening timing matters.

### Will my child need glasses after ROP?

Many children who had ROP develop short-sightedness or other focusing problems and benefit from regular eye care through childhood.

Optional — donate

## Want to fund sight-restoring surgery?

Eye Health Guide does not take donations. If you want to give, World Aid Network funds cataract and other sight-restoring operations through locally licensed ophthalmologists in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia.

[Donate at World Aid Network](https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate)[World Aid Network eye health](https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health)[Their page on this condition](https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health/childhood-blindness)[How this site relates to the charity](https://eyehealthguide.org/support/)

Eye Health Guide and World Aid Network are related public-interest projects and share a medical reviewer. Donations go to World Aid Network. This website does not take a cut, and giving is never required to read a page.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [National Eye Institute - Retinopathy of Prematurity](https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinopathy-prematurity)