Which patient population is at risk for retinopathy of prematurity?

Which patient population is at risk for retinopathy of prematurity?

• A. Photophobia
• B. Corneal Ulcer
• C. Premature Baby
• D. Sarcoidosis

Answer: (C)

Premature babies are at risk for retinopathy of prematurity because their retinal blood vessels are not fully developed at birth. In full-term infants, the retina completes vascularization before birth, but in preterm infants this process is incomplete. When exposed to the oxygen-rich environment after birth, the immature retina can respond abnormally—that is, vessels may proliferate in an irregular, fibrous way and can later lead to scarring or retinal detachment. The risk is greatest in those with very low birth weight or very early gestational age, making premature infants the population most susceptible. The other options describe either a symptom or an unrelated disease, not a population at risk for this condition.

Premature babies are at risk for retinopathy of prematurity because their retinal blood vessels are not fully developed at birth. In full-term infants, the retina completes vascularization before birth, but in preterm infants this process is incomplete. When exposed to the oxygen-rich environment after birth, the immature retina can respond abnormally—that is, vessels may proliferate in an irregular, fibrous way and can later lead to scarring or retinal detachment. The risk is greatest in those with very low birth weight or very early gestational age, making premature infants the population most susceptible. The other options describe either a symptom or an unrelated disease, not a population at risk for this condition.