Premature babies born before 37 weeks of gestation are at risk for retinopathy of prematurity. Retinopathy of prematurity can be prevented and treated, but if premature babies’ eyes are not properly cared for, they are at risk of vision loss or permanent blindness.

Many premature babies survive, but are at risk of permanent blindness in both eyes due to untreated retinopathy of prematurity. Treatment of retinopathy of prematurity requires early and aggressive action.

The rate of retinopathy of prematurity is very high, especially leaving visual impairment in premature babies born under 28-30 weeks of gestation and babies weighing less than 1.5 kg at birth. This is the cause of blindness in children.