Retinopathy of prematurity typically occurs in newborns born at less than how many weeks of gestational age?

Retinopathy of prematurity typically occurs in newborns born at less than how many weeks of gestational age?

• A. 35 weeks
• B. 37 weeks
• C. 40 weeks
• D. 42 weeks

Answer: (A)

Retinopathy of prematurity happens because the retinal blood vessels are not fully formed in very preterm babies. After birth, exposure to oxygen and other factors can disrupt normal vessel growth, leading to abnormal neovascularization that can threaten vision. The earlier a baby is born, the more immature the retina is, and the higher the risk. In practice, infants born before about 35 weeks have a notable risk, which is why this threshold is used in exams and screening guidelines. Babies born at 37 weeks or later have more mature retinal vasculature, so the likelihood of ROP is much lower. Therefore, less than 35 weeks is the best answer.

Retinopathy of prematurity happens because the retinal blood vessels are not fully formed in very preterm babies. After birth, exposure to oxygen and other factors can disrupt normal vessel growth, leading to abnormal neovascularization that can threaten vision. The earlier a baby is born, the more immature the retina is, and the higher the risk. In practice, infants born before about 35 weeks have a notable risk, which is why this threshold is used in exams and screening guidelines. Babies born at 37 weeks or later have more mature retinal vasculature, so the likelihood of ROP is much lower. Therefore, less than 35 weeks is the best answer.