What visual outcomes can result from retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)?

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a condition that affects premature infants, primarily due to abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. The severity of ROP can vary, and it can lead to a range of visual outcomes. Some infants may experience low vision, and in more severe cases, total blindness can occur. This is due to the potential damage or detachment of the retina as a result of ROP.

While there are cases where infants with ROP may achieve better than expected vision outcomes, the spectrum of impairment can be significant enough that low vision or total blindness from birth is a realistic outcome for many children affected by this condition. This makes the second option the most accurate representation of the possible visual outcomes that may arise as a result of ROP. Other options, such as near perfect vision, only color blindness, or difficulties limited to peripheral vision, do not adequately capture the potential severity of visual impairment associated with ROP.