Doctors do not know for certain what causes ROP. Blood vessels in the eye normally finish developing in the last few weeks before birth. Premature infants, however, leave the protective uterus before blood vessels of the eye have had a chance to fully develop. The infants are then exposed to elements, such as medication, high levels of oxygen, and light and temperature changes. These factors may interfere with the normal development of blood vessels in the eye and cause ROP.
Other factors that may have an effect on ROP development include:
- Low birth weight
- Low gestational age
- Use of supplemental oxygen after birth
- Vitamin E deficiency
- Race (Caucasians are more at risk than African-Americans)
- Anemia
- Respiratory complications
Next Page: Retinopathy of Prematurity Diagnosis
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