Can My Child Wrestle After Having ROP?

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
My son was born premature and had laser eye surgery for retinopathy. He is now 11 years old and is considering wrestling. Is this sport too dangerous for him?      

Answer:
People who have been treated as a baby for retinopathy of prematurity are at increased risk for retinal problems throughout their lives. The primary risk is retinal detachment which is also associated with ocular trauma. Contact sports such as wrestling present a risk of inadvertent ocular trauma. Appropriate eye protection may decrease, but not eliminate the risk.

Answered by: George Williams, MD

Categories: Children's Eye Health, General Eye Health

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