Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) poses a significant eye health challenge for premature infants. This condition occurs when the baby's underdeveloped retina develops abnormally due to premature birth, particularly affecting babies born before 32 weeks of gestation or weighing less than 1,500 grams.
ROP can lead to severe vision impairment, even complete vision loss, if left untreated, as the retina may become detached irreversibly.