Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye disorder that primarily effects infants born before 31 weeks and weighing 2 3/4 lbs or less. If retinopathy of prematurity treatment is not implemented, it can lead to baby blindness. However, parents should know that retinopathy of prematurity can be caused by medical malpractice, and that they may be eligible for compensation.

Retinopathy of prematurity is an eye disorder that occurs when unusual blood vessels grow in and around the retina, which makes up the primary tissue in the back of the eye. In addition, the retina is responsible for light reception in the eyes and is vital for the person’s vision and communication between eye and brain.

The reason why this condition is particularly dangerous to premature infants is because the baby’s eyes develop during the last 12 weeks of pregnancy. Therefore when born prematurely, the risk for infant eyesight problems is significantly increased.

While fully developed eyes at birth are not vulnerable to this problem, the blood vessels mentioned previously with ROP infants are fragile and prone to leaking. This may leave scars on the retina, may move the retina from its position, and may even cause retinal detachment.

By the time the retina detaches, ROP could cause baby blindness and permanent eyesight problems in the baby’s life. However, if retinopathy of prematurity treatment is implemented quickly, then permanent damage can be prevented and minor effects can be fixed.

Overview of Retinopathy of Prematurity Treatment

A study on retinopathy of prematurity treatment was published in 1988, which found the condition could be prevented with cryotherapy in half of the subjects.

Other effective retinopathy of prematurity treatment methods include:

• Oxygen Treatment
• Laser Therapy to prevent the abnormal blood vessels from spreading
• Scleral Buckle: Implementing a silicone band that is placed around the eye, to repair retina detachment
• Vitrectomy: Surgical procedure that removes fluids from the eye, to treat retinal detachment
• Retina Repair Surgery

It is important to note that early diagnosis is vital for retinopathy of prematurity treatment, as it gives the most options for treatment and will prevent further damage. Doctors must scan each screening of the developing baby carefully to look for any signs of ROP or other complications.

Approximately 14,000 to 16,000 infants are born with retinopathy of prematurity each year. This condition can vary in severity depending on what stage it has developed to. In most infants born with ROP, the condition is normally at stage 1 or 2 with abnormal blood vessels present; these stages can typically resolve themselves without treatment.

However the condition can worsen quickly, which is why doctors should recommend follow up care to parents. Approximately 1,100 to 1,500 infants are born with severe ROP requiring treatment, with 400 to 600 cases resulting in blindness.

Medical malpractice has been alleged in severe cases of ROP, due to doctors allegedly failing to properly explain the importance of follow up care or not referring the parents to a specialist. These allegations can also apply to doctors who allegedly failed to diagnose the condition at its correct stage.

Potential claimants should contact a knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer to determine eligibility for an ROP lawsuit.