Also called retinopathy of prematurity, a condition that mainly affects the eyes of premature infants. The usual cause is high concentrations of oxygen being given as part of the treatment for respiratory distress. Excess oxygen causes the tissues at the margin of the retina to shut down their blood vessels. When oxygen concentrations return to normal, the affected tissues may send strands of new vessels and fibrous scar tissue into the vitreous humour. This may interfere with vision and cause retinal detachment. Laser treatment may be used.
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