ROP may result in what condition?

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a serious eye condition that occurs in premature infants, particularly those who are born before the 31st week of gestation or who weigh less than 2.5 pounds at birth. It involves abnormal growth of retinal blood vessels, which can lead to scarring and eventually result in vision impairment or complete blindness if not properly managed.

The correct response, which indicates that ROP may result in blindness, highlights the potentially severe impact of this condition. In the most advanced stages, ROP can lead to retinal detachment and permanent vision loss, making it crucial for premature infants at risk to be monitored and treated as necessary.

The other conditions listed, such as deafness, respiratory distress, and cognitive impairment, are not directly associated with ROP. While premature infants may face a variety of challenges, including those mentioned, they are not outcomes specifically related to the complications arising from ROP. Hence, blindness is the outcome that accurately pertains to this particular condition.