EYE CARE AND OPTOMETRY

  INTRODUCTION:  Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) stands as a formidable challenge in the realm of neonatal care, posing a significant threat to the delicate ocular health of premature infants. As these tiny newborns undergo life-saving oxygen therapy, an unintended consequence unfolds within their developing retinas – a cascade of vascular and capillary proliferation that marks the onset of ROP. This disease, characterized by aberrant vessel growth, holds the potential to inflict irreversible damage upon the retina, including daunting complications such as retinal detachment and macular folds. Guidelines for screening, the cornerstone of combating this leading cause of childhood blindness, hinge upon a nuanced interplay of factors, notably gestational age and birth weight. Yet, the complexity of ROP extends beyond these metrics, with numerous contributors augmenting both the incidence and severity of its progression. In the face of this multifaceted challenge, early intervent...