{"id":20016,"date":"2021-11-25T12:23:55","date_gmt":"2021-11-25T12:23:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=20016"},"modified":"2021-11-25T12:23:55","modified_gmt":"2021-11-25T12:23:55","slug":"how-will-retinopathy-of-prematurity-affect-my-childs-vision","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/childrens-vision\/guide-to-pediatric-eye-conditions\/how-will-retinopathy-of-prematurity-affect-my-childs-vision\/","title":{"rendered":"How Will Retinopathy of Prematurity Affect My Child’s Vision?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Each year, over 14,000 cases of ROP are diagnosed in the U.S. alone, affecting 3.5% of premature infants.<\/b><\/h2>\n

While premature birth is the number one cause of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), about 90% of all infants diagnosed with this eye disease will develop normal vision, without any treatment.<\/p>\n

With time, mild cases of ROP typically resolve on their own\u2014 though these premature infants will continue to be at risk of developing other eye conditions throughout their lifetime.<\/b><\/p>\n

Which eye conditions are associated with ROP?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Retinopathy of prematurity increases a child\u2019s risk for developing retinal detachment<\/a>, myopia (nearsightedness)<\/a>, strabismus (crossed eyes)<\/a>, amblyopia (lazy eye)<\/a>, and glaucoma<\/a> in the future.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, many of these conditions can be treated with glasses, vision therapy,<\/a> specialized eye drops and\/or surgery\u2014 though early detection is key.<\/p>\n

As a result, regular eye exams are recommended to protect your child\u2019s eye health and vision.<\/p>\n

Retinal detachment<\/b><\/h3>\n

Each year, over 28,000 cases of retinal detachments are diagnosed in the U.S.<\/b><\/p>\n

Retinal detachment<\/a> occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye, causing partial or total vision loss.<\/p>\n

This eye condition is more often caused by later stages of ROP, though it continues to be a threat throughout the child\u2019s lifetime.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, with early detection, a retinal detachment can be treated with surgery to prevent permanent vision loss.<\/p>\n

Myopia<\/b><\/h3>\n

More than 30 percent of the U.S. population has been diagnosed with myopia.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Myopia (nearsightedness) occurs when light is focused in front of the retina, instead of directly on it, resulting in blurred distance vision.<\/p>\n

This is a common vision condition that can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, though progressive <\/i>myopia<\/a> can lead to sight threatening vision conditions in the future.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, myopia management<\/a> is an effective program to help slow down the rate of myopia progression and sometimes even stop it completely.<\/p>\n

Strabismus<\/b><\/h3>\n

Strabismus affects about 4 out of every 100 children in the United States.<\/b><\/p>\n

Strabismus is characterized by an eye turn or a misalignment of the eyes. This vision condition causes one eye to turn in, out, up or down, and leads to suppression of vision in the affected eye\u2014 often resulting in a partial or total loss of stereo vision and binocular depth perception.<\/p>\n

Strabismus is generally treated with a combination of surgery<\/a> to realign the eyes, and vision therapy to improve binocular vision.<\/p>\n

SEE RELATED: <\/b>Retinopathy of Prematurity: FAQs<\/a><\/p>\n

If your baby was born preterm, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you<\/a> to ensure your baby\u2019s eyes are healthy.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\t

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