The back part of the eye which is sensitive to light is called the RETINA. It receives visual signals, processes them and sends them to the brain which in turn results in meaningful vision. This sensitive layer called Retina receives its nutrition in the form of Oxygen from Blood Vessels.
The eye develops rapidly in the last 12 weeks of Fetal life. A baby born prematurely will have some degree of immaturity in the Retina and therefore is it risk of developing Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). Babies who have ROP have blood vessels which do not grow normally. This abnormality is detected by routine screening tests.
Various studies show that incidence of ROP in preterm neonates is seen in about 20% and treatment is required in only 20% of those diagnosed with ROP.