Retinopathy of prematurity can lead to which serious condition in infants?

Retinopathy of prematurity can lead to which serious condition in infants?

• A. Cataracts
• B. Scar tissue formation
• C. Blindness
• D. Vision impairment

Answer: (C)

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a condition primarily affecting premature infants, where abnormal blood vessel growth occurs in the retina, potentially leading to severe vision problems. Among the serious conditions that can result from ROP, blindness stands out as a significant outcome. In severe cases of ROP, the abnormal blood vessels can cause retinal detachment, which may ultimately result in complete vision loss. The progression of ROP is poorly tolerated, particularly in infants born very prematurely, making it essential for early detection and intervention. Other potential outcomes of ROP, such as cataracts or scar tissue formation, may occur but are not as direct a consequence as blindness. While vision impairment can be a result of ROP as well, it encompasses a broader range of outcomes, whereas blindness refers specifically to the inability to see, making it a critical and serious concern when addressing the long-term implications of ROP in infants. Thus, in the context of serious ramifications, blindness is the most significant and alarming result associated with retinopathy of prematurity.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a condition primarily affecting premature infants, where abnormal blood vessel growth occurs in the retina, potentially leading to severe vision problems. Among the serious conditions that can result from ROP, blindness stands out as a significant outcome.

In severe cases of ROP, the abnormal blood vessels can cause retinal detachment, which may ultimately result in complete vision loss. The progression of ROP is poorly tolerated, particularly in infants born very prematurely, making it essential for early detection and intervention.

Other potential outcomes of ROP, such as cataracts or scar tissue formation, may occur but are not as direct a consequence as blindness. While vision impairment can be a result of ROP as well, it encompasses a broader range of outcomes, whereas blindness refers specifically to the inability to see, making it a critical and serious concern when addressing the long-term implications of ROP in infants. Thus, in the context of serious ramifications, blindness is the most significant and alarming result associated with retinopathy of prematurity.