---
title: "Retinopathy of prematurity treatment | Eye Health Guide"
description: "How retinopathy of prematurity is treated with laser, anti-VEGF injections or surgery, when treatment is needed, and long-term follow-up. NHS-aligned."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/treatments/rop-treatment/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Treatment

# Retinopathy of prematurity treatment

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

Most mild retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) resolves without treatment. Severe ROP is treated in specialist neonatal eye units with laser to the retina, injections of anti-VEGF medicine into the eye, or surgery for advanced disease. Timing is critical — treatment within screening windows greatly reduces the risk of blindness.

### On this page ⌄

1. When treatment is needed
2. Laser treatment
3. Anti-VEGF injections
4. Surgery and lifelong follow-up
5. Conditions this can help
6. Frequently asked questions

## When treatment is needed

ROP is graded by how far blood vessels have grown and whether they are pulling on the retina. Mild disease is watched closely. Treatment is offered when disease reaches thresholds linked to high risk of retinal detachment or permanent vision loss, following national screening protocols.

## Laser treatment

Laser photocoagulation stops abnormal vessel growth by treating peripheral retina. It is a well-established ROP treatment performed under sedation or anaesthetic in neonatal units. Success depends on timing before the retina detaches.

## Anti-VEGF injections

Medicines such as bevacizumab can shrink abnormal vessels in selected severe ROP cases, sometimes as an alternative or addition to laser. Injections need careful follow-up because ROP can recur as the eye matures.

## Surgery and lifelong follow-up

Advanced ROP with retinal detachment may need vitrectomy surgery. Children who had ROP, treated or not, need years of eye checks for short-sightedness, squint, lazy eye and glaucoma.

## Conditions this can help

## Frequently asked questions

### Does every premature baby need ROP treatment?

No. Most screened babies have mild changes that resolve. Treatment is reserved for severe stages identified on specialist examination.

### Is ROP laser treatment safe for babies?

When done by experienced teams at the right stage, laser greatly reduces blindness risk. As with any neonatal procedure, benefits and rare risks are discussed with parents.

### What follow-up is needed after ROP treatment?

Regular eye exams through childhood monitor focusing problems, alignment and eye pressure. Early glasses or amblyopia treatment helps maximise vision.

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)