Other names: ROP

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye disease that can occur in premature babies.

ROP is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina. The blood vessels in the retina start to develop in the fourth month of pregnancy and finish developing at full-term (about 9 months). If a baby is premature, they are at risk of developing retinal blood vessels that are abnormal, potentially leading to retinal detachment and irreversible vision loss.

There are five stages of ROP ranging from stage 1 (mild) to stage 5 (severe). Babies in stages 1 and 2 will usually improve without treatment and will go on to have healthy vision. Some babies in stage 3 may improve without treatment, but others may require treatment to prevent damage to the retina and retinal detachment. Babies in stage 4 have partially detached retinas and require treatment. Babies in stage 5 have completely detached retinas and even with treatment may suffer vision loss or blindness.

Eylea (aflibercept) is the first FDA-approved treatment for retinopathy of prematurity. It is a VEGF inhibitor that works by blocking the growth of new blood vessels and decreasing the ability of fluid to pass through blood vessels in the eye.

Drugs used to treat Retinopathy of Prematurity