Retinopathy of prematurity.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a bilateral retinal disease found in premature infants born at less than 36 weeks gestation or weighing less than 1,600 g. Several recent studies have suggested a multifactorial basis for ROP development. Risk factors include apnea treated by mask or bag ventilation, repeated blood transfusions, prolonged parenteral nutrition, hypoxemia, hypercarbia, hypocarbia, and supplemental oxygen administration. Disease stages are: stage 1--demarcation line; stage 2--intraretinal ridge; stage 3--ridge plus extraretinal fibrovascular proliferation; and stage 5--total retinal detachment.