Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

If a baby is at risk of ROP, an ophthalmologist will check the baby’s eyes. The babies who are at risk and hence screened for ROP are clearly defined in the Departmental guidelines on ROP. 

These tests start at about four to six weeks of age and happen regularly until the eye vessels have grown to the edges.

If the ophthalmologist sees any abnormal growth of blood vessels, he or she will record the extent of ROP, called Staging. Infants who have ROP need more frequent eye tests to watch for progress of the condition.