FAQs

Reference:

Janek V. The journey of light, from the stars to your eyes. Universe Today. Accessed June 9, 2022. https://www.universetoday.com/121795/the-journey-of-light-from-the-stars-to-your-eyes/.

Yes, these conditions include myopia (nearsightedness), strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), retinal detachment and glaucoma.^1,2 In amblyopia, the eyes can look normal but one or both eyes don’t see well due to abnormal development of the brain to eye connection.³ In strabismus, the eyes look misaligned.⁴ Strabismus can cause amblyopia in the eye that is misaligned.³

References:

1. Fierson WM, American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Ophthalmology; American Academy of Ophthalmology; American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus; American Association of Certified Orthoptists. Screening Examination of Premature Infants for Retinopathy of Prematurity. Pediatrics. 2018;142(6):e20183061.
2. National Eye Institute. Retinopathy of Prematurity. Last updated June 24, 2022. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinopathy-prematurity
3. American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Amblyopia. Updated January 2021. https://aapos.org/glossary/amblyopia
4. American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Strabismus. Updated October 7, 2020. https://aapos.org/glossary/strabismus
5. Human body diseases and disorders. What is strabismus? https://humanbodyanddiseases.weebly.com/strabismus.html

URLs accessed 7/6/22.

Most infants with ROP see normally for their age. While vision can be affected when ROP progresses to the most severe stages, most ROP resolves without vision loss.

References:

1. Quinn GE, Ying GS, Bell EF, et al. Incidence and early course of retinopathy of prematurity: secondary analysis of the Postnatal Growth and Retinopathy of Prematurity (G-ROP) Study. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2018;136(12):1383-1389.
2. Binenbaum G, Tomlinson LA. Postnatal Growth and Retinopathy of Prematurity Study: Rationale, design, and subject characteristics. Ophthalmic Epidemiol. 2017;24(1):36-47.
3. American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Retinopathy of Prematurity. https://aapos.org/glossary/retinopathy-of-prematurity. Accessed 7/6/22.

Often retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is not resolved prior to discharge from the hospital. Eye exams to monitor ROP are carefully timed and missing an appointment can adversely affect your infant’s vision. Continue to follow your eye doctors recommended exam schedule.

References:

1. Fierson WM, et al. American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Ophthalmology; American Academy of Ophthalmology; American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus; American Association of Orthoptists. Screening Examination of Premature Infants for Retinopathy of Prematurity. Pediatrics. 2018;142(6):e20183061.
2. American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Retinopathy of Prematurity. Accessed 7/6/22. https://aapos.org/glossary/retinopathy-of-prematurity

Each infant will have an individualized and carefully timed schedule for eye examination. Exams are continued based on the following:

• Until the retinal blood vessels have developed normally
• Until postmenstrual age* 45 weeks with no development of ROP
• If anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections were given, then exams will continue until postmenstrual age at least 65 weeks
• Regression of ROP is noted

*Postmenstrual age is defined as gestational age (time elapsed from the first day of the last menstrual period to the day of delivery) plus chronological age (time elapsed from birth).

References:

1. Heidar K. Retinopathy of Prematurity. EyeWiki®. Last reviewed May 30, 2022. https://eyewiki.aao.org/Retinopathy_of_Prematurity
2. Fierson WM, American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Ophthalmology; American Academy of Ophthalmology; American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus; American Association of Certified Orthoptists. Screening Examination of Premature Infants for Retinopathy of Prematurity. Pediatrics. 2018;142(6):e20183061.
3. Ludwig S. GA, PMA, PCA, chronological age, corrected age – using the correct terminology in the NICU. National Association of Neonatal Therapists. https://neonataltherapists.com/using-correct-terminology-in-the-nicu/.

URLs accessed 6/28/22.

Many hospitals employ ROP coordinators or social workers to help families improve care coordination and follow-up. Ask your pediatric ophthalmologist, neonatologist or pediatrician to connect you.

Reference:

1. Ndukwe,T, Cole E, Scanzera AC, et al. Health equity and disparity in ROP care: A need for systematic evaluation. Front Pediatr. 2022;10:806691.