The retina is a light-sensitive layer of tissue. This tissue
lines the back of the eye. The retina converts visual images
into nerve impulses in the brain that allow sight. Retinopathy
of prematurity (ROP) is a rare condition that occurs in the eyes
of infants who: - Are born prematurely - Are born with a low
birth weight With this condition, the blood vessels of the
retina grow abnormally. This can lead to bleeding and scarring
in the retina. In the most serious cases, this can lead to the
retina separating from the back of the eye. ROP usually heals by
itself. Most infants do not require treatment. In a small number
of cases, ROP may cause vision loss or blindness. Normal Anatomy
of the Eye Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. Guidelines
vary, but a pediatric ophthalmologist (doctor who specializes in
eye conditions and treatment in children) will screen for ROP if
your infant: - Is born prematurely - Has a low birth weight The
doctor may examine your infant’s eyes every 1-2 weeks until the
blood vessels