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Sub-Category:

Vision-Related Conditions in Preterm Infants

Number of Conditions: 1

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Neonatal Conditions (Newborns)

Sub-category: Vision-Related Conditions in Preterm Infants

Symptoms:
abnormal eye movements; difficulty focusing; vision loss in severe cases

Root Cause:
Abnormal growth of retinal blood vessels in preterm infants due to incomplete vascular development at birth.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Regular eye exams using indirect ophthalmoscopy by a specialist in preterm infants.

Treatment:
Laser therapy or cryotherapy to prevent progression; intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents in severe cases.

Medications:
Anti-VEGF agents (e.g., bevacizumab ) to inhibit abnormal blood vessel growth.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 40–50% of infants born at less than 31 weeks gestation.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prematurity, low birth weight, oxygen therapy, sepsis, and intraventricular hemorrhage.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early detection and treatment result in good outcomes; severe untreated cases can lead to blindness.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Retinal detachment, glaucoma, strabismus, and vision loss.