Retinopathy of Prematurity and Its Association with Oxygen Therapy in Preterm Low Birth Weight Babies
Abstract
Background:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative disorder of the developing retinal vasculature and remains an important cause of preventable childhood blindness among preterm infants. Prematurity, low birth weight, and exposure to oxygen therapy are recognized as major risk factors for the development of ROP. Early identification of high-risk neonates is essential for timely intervention and prevention of visual impairment.
Objectives:
To evaluate the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity and its association with oxygen therapy in preterm low birth weight babies.
Materials and Methods:
This hospital-based observational study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary care hospital. A total of 40 preterm low birth weight neonates were included in the study. Data regarding demographic characteristics, birth weight, gestational age, and duration of oxygen therapy were recorded. All neonates underwent ophthalmologic screening for ROP using indirect ophthalmoscopy. The association between oxygen therapy and the occurrence of ROP was analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.
Results:
Out of the 40 neonates included in the study, 24 (60%) were males and 16 (40%) were females. Retinopathy of prematurity was detected in 11 neonates (27.5%), while 29 neonates (72.5%) did not develop ROP. A higher incidence of ROP was observed among neonates who received oxygen therapy for longer durations, indicating a significant association between prolonged oxygen exposure and the development of ROP.
Conclusion:
The study highlights that prematurity, low birth weight, and prolonged oxygen therapy are important risk factors for the development of retinopathy of prematurity. Proper monitoring of oxygen therapy and early ophthalmologic screening in high-risk neonates are essential to reduce the incidence and prevent complications of ROP.
DOI: https://doi.org/ 10.24321/2454.325X.202601
How to cite this article: Agrawal S. Retinopathy of Prematurity and Its Association with Oxygen Therapy in Preterm Low Birth Weight Babies. Int J Preven Curat Comm Med. 2026;12(1):1-6.
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