Other complications

Premature babies have an increased risk of developing eye problems in particular Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP).

ROP can occur in preterm infants because the blood supply to the eyes (retina) has not fully developed and when born early the growth can be disrupted. Although the incidence of severe ROP is low if left untreated it may result in blindness.

Many factors are thought to contribute to the development of ROP one of which may be oxygen toxicity. Close monitoring of oxygenation is may help to reduce the incidence of ROP however as yet so little is known about why ROP develops that preventative treatments do not exist.

As prevention is not possible regularly eye examination is performed in babies born at less than 32 weeks or with a birth weight under 1500grams, if problems are seen then treatment will be offered. This treatment has proven to be effected in reducing blindness.