Retinopathy of Prematurity

Closeup of a Premature BabyIf your baby was born more than seven weeks early, your infant is at risk for Retinopathy of Prematurity.

What is Retinopathy of Prematurity?

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is an eye condition that occurs in premature babies who weigh less than 2.75 pounds at birth. In Retinopathy of Prematurity, abnormal blood cells grow in the area of the eye called the retina. The retina is a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye and is responsible for a crucial part of vision. The abnormal blood vessels can leak and cause scarring. The resulting scars can pull the retina away from the back of the eye. If the retina is left unattached, the child’s vision could become damaged.

Is my child at risk of blindness because of Retinopathy of Prematurity?

Retinopathy of Prematurity has 5 stages. The mild growth of abnormal blood vessels is stage 1, while a completely detached retina is stage 5. Children in stages 1, 2, and sometimes stage 3 usually improve with no treatment at all. Children in the later stages of Retinopathy of Prematurity need treatment to preserve their eyesight.

The National Eye Institute reports that about 28,000 babies are born weighing 2.75 pounds or less each year. Nearly half of them have some form of Retinopathy of Prematurity, but it is almost always the milder forms. Each year, between 1,100 and 1,500 babies are born with Retinopathy of Prematurity that is advanced enough they need medical treatment. Out of that group, on average, 400 to 600 will become legally blind.

Why are premature infants most at risk of developing Retinopathy of Prematurity?

The eyes begin to develop around the 16th week of pregnancy, and they do not completely develop until the end of pregnancy, at 38 to 42 weeks. At 16 weeks, blood vessels start to form in the center of the retina. They slowly grow out toward the edges of the retina. The retina continues to develop for a few weeks after a full-term baby is born. When a baby is born early, the blood vessels have not fully grown and have not reached the edge of the retina. The edge of the retina needs the nutrients and blood that the missing vessels are supposed to supply. The blood vessels are not providing nutrients as they should, and this allows abnormal blood vessels to grow in their place.

Is Retinopathy of Prematurity Treatable?

Yes, you can treat Retinopathy of Prematurity. Often, the issue resolves itself. If your child needs treatment, your doctor will choose the best option based on your baby’s condition. Options include:

  • Laser surgery to stop the abnormal blood vessels that are growing on the edge of the retina.
  • Injections of medicine to cause the blood vessels to grow more normally.
  • Flexible silicone band around the eye that helps push the retina back in place.
  • Removal of the clear gel inside in the eye and scar tissue that is pulling the retina away from the back of the eye.

How will I know if my baby has Retinopathy of Prematurity?

There are no warning signs of this condition. An ophthalmologist or pediatric-trained optometrist must conduct an eye exam to determine if the condition is present.

If you suspect your baby has retinopathy of prematurity, schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric specialists at Grand Rapids Ophthalmology. Dr. Laura Piipppo, fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologist, with a vast amount of experience with children, and Dr. Abby Veldkamp, optometrist, who specializes in complete eye care for pediatric patients.

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Schedule an appointment today to experience the GRO difference. Call 616.588.6598 or click here.

Our Locations

Grand Rapids Ophthalmology is pleased to provide top-quality, comprehensive eye care to our patients in the Greater Grand Rapids area. We have 15 conveniently located eye care centers that utilize the latest and most advanced technologies across the entire spectrum of ophthalmology. If you are seeking information about one of our eye care locations please click into our locations page for more information. Hours are subject to change due to upcoming Holidays.

Construction Update: US-131 northbound is now closed between 28th Street and Burton. Please allow extra travel time and plan routes accordingly to arrive for your appointment on time. Northbound construction is expected to last until April 25, followed by closures on southbound 131.

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East Beltline
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
East Beltline Medical Center
750 East Beltline Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(Located on the Southeast corner of East Beltline and Bradford - enter from Bradford)
616.588.6598
Hours
M, W, Th, F: 8am – 5pm
Late Night – T: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 8am – 11am
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
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Grandville
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Rivertown Office Center
4475 Wilson Ave SW
Grandville, MI 49418
(Located on the Northwest corner of 44th St/Rivertown Pkwy and Wilson - enter from Wilson)
616.588.6598
Hours
Tu, W, F: 8am-5pm
Late Nights – M, Th: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
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Walker
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology (Located on the upper level)
3300 Walker View Dr
Walker, MI 49544
(Located North of Walker Avenue exit on I-96 – enter on the upper level)
616.588.6598
Hours
M, T, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Late Night – W: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
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Cutlerville
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Spectrum Health South Campus
80 68th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
(Located on Southeast corner of 68th St and Division)
616.588.6598
Hours
M, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Late Night – Tu: 8am-6pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
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Rockford
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Mercy Health Campus
6050 Northland Dr NE, Suite 100
Rockford, MI 49341
616.588.6598
Hours
M, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Late Night – Tu: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 7am-5pm
Caledonia
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Mercy Health Campus
10047 Crossroads Ct SE
Caledonia, MI 49316
616.588.6598
Hours
M, Tu, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Closed 12pm-1pm daily
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
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East Grand Rapids
Lakeshore Eye
717 Bagley Ave SE
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
616.588.6575
Hours
M-Th: 8am-5pm
F: Closed (until December 1, 2023)
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Holland
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Lakeshore Medical Campus
3235 N Wellness Dr, Suite 130
Holland, MI 49424
(Located ¼ mile East of US-31 on the left)
616.994.0477
Hours
M, W, Th: 8am-5pm
F: 7:30am-3:30pm
Late Night – Tu: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Thurs 8am-5pm & Fri 7:30am-3:30pm
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Ionia
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
537 W Main St
Ionia, MI 48846
616.527.1640
Hours
M, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Late Night – Tu: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
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Greenville
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
705 S Greenville W Dr. #Suite 201
Greenville MI 48838
616.754.5667
Hours
M: 7:30am-6pm
Tu, W: 7:30am-4:30pm
Th: 8am-5pm
F: 7:30am-4:30pm
Standale
511 Wilson Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
616.301.8663
Hours
M, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Late Night – T: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am – 5pm
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GRO Surgical Center
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology Surgical Care Center
750 East Beltline Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(Located on Southeast corner of East Beltline and Bradford – enter on the second floor)
616.588.6598
Hours
M, TU, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
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Walker Surgical Center
Walker Surgical Center
3300 Walker View Dr
Walker, MI 49544
(Located North of Walker Avenue exit on I-96 – enter on the lower level)
616.588.6570
Hours
M, Tu, W, Th, F: 6am-5pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 6am-5pm
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