Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
10:32

Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model

Published on: April 2, 2021

3.7K

Impact of retinopathy of prematurity on ocular structures and visual functions

Alistair Fielder1, Hannah Blencowe2, Anna O'Connor3

  • 1Division of Optometry & Visual Science, City University, London, UK.

Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|October 23, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Premature babies can suffer vision loss from prematurity or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Risk factors and visual impairment vary significantly by country income, impacting eye health and visual functions.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neonatology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Preterm infants are susceptible to ophthalmic sequelae, including those arising from prematurity itself and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
  • Neurological damage can also contribute to vision problems in preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the ophthalmic sequelae in preterm infants, focusing on prematurity and ROP.
  • To present regional and global estimates of ROP and associated visual impairment.
  • To discuss the impact of these conditions on eye structure and visual functions.

Main Methods:

  • Review and synthesis of existing data on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and its consequences.
  • Analysis of regional and global estimates of acute-phase ROP and visual impairment.
  • Discussion of the effects of prematurity and ROP on ocular morphology and visual functions.

Main Results:

  • In high-income countries, sight-threatening ROP primarily affects infants <1000g birth weight (BW).
  • In low- and middle-income countries, infants >2500g BW can be blinded by ROP.
  • Estimates of ROP and subsequent visual impairment (mild/moderate to severe) are presented regionally and globally.

Conclusions:

  • Ophthalmic sequelae in preterm infants, particularly ROP, present a significant global health challenge.
  • Disparities in ROP risk and severity exist between high-income and low-/middle-income countries.
  • These conditions affect ocular development, leading to strabismus and impaired visual functions like acuity and visual field.

Keywords:
EpidemiologyNeonatologyOphthalmologyOutcomes research

More Related Videos

Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Model for Ischemic Retinal Diseases in Rodents09:28

Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Model for Ischemic Retinal Diseases in Rodents

Published on: September 16, 2020

8.2K
Optimization of the Retinal Vein Occlusion Mouse Model to Limit Variability07:23

Optimization of the Retinal Vein Occlusion Mouse Model to Limit Variability

Published on: August 6, 2021

2.7K

Related Concept Videos

Diabetic Retinopathy01:27

Diabetic Retinopathy

DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
26
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways01:22

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category,...
8.2K
Anatomy of the Eyeball01:20

Anatomy of the Eyeball

The eye is a spherical, hollow structure composed of three tissue layers. The outer layer — the fibrous tunic, comprises the sclera — a white structure — and the cornea, which is transparent. The sclera encompasses some of the ocular surface, most of which is not visible. However, the 'white of the eye' is distinctively visible in humans compared to other species. The cornea, a clear covering at the front of the eye, enables light penetration. The eye's middle...
8.3K
Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
4.1K