ROP is a potentially serious management problem mainly in the care of whom?

ROP, or Retinopathy of Prematurity, is a condition that affects the retina of premature or low birth weight infants, making this group particularly vulnerable. The development of the retina is highly sensitive to oxygen levels and other environmental factors during the early stages of life.

Premature infants, especially those born before 28 weeks of gestation or who weigh less than 1500 grams, are at a significantly higher risk for ROP because their retinas are not fully developed at birth. This immaturity of the retinal blood vessels can lead to abnormal growth, which may result in visual impairment or blindness if not monitored and treated properly.

In contrast, full-term infants generally have more developed retinal structures and are less likely to experience ROP. Adolescents and adults, while they may face various other health issues, are not the primary population affected by this condition since ROP is specifically related to the neonatal period and the developmental challenges faced by premature infants. Therefore, focusing on premature or low birth weight infants is crucial for the preventive and management strategies associated with ROP.