Jonathan Sears, MD, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, discusses retinopathy of prematurity, which affects 10-15% of the 500,000 premature infants born annually in the US.

Summary:
ROP or retinopathy of prematurity affects 10-15% of premature infants. It is caused by early hyperoxia which decreases the stimulus for the retina to develop.

References and Resources:
Kim JH, Lee BJ, Kim JH, Yu YS, Kim KW. Anti-angiogenic effect of caffeic acid on retinal neovascularization. Vascul Pharmacol. 2009 Jul 6.
Uparkar M. Re: Macular structure and vision of patients with macular heterotopia secondary to retinopathy of prematurity. Retina. 2009 Jul-Aug;29(7):1054; author reply 1054. No abstract available.

This physician has nothing to disclose.

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