Retinopathy is a disease of the retinal vessels. Babies who are born prematurely, with low birth weight and who have been in an incubator for a long time are at risk. As the survival rate of these children has increased due to medical advances, they are at greater risk of developing this condition. In most cases, the lesions spontaneously disappear, and only minor visual disturbances may remain.

In about 10 per cent of cases, complications in the form of scarring and retinal detachment may occur. Treatment includes cryotherapy, laser therapy and surgery. It is important to remember that all premature babies need an ophthalmological examination at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age and after the first year of life.