Research
- Objective Screening Devices
- Vision Screening Device Review
- Risk Factors to Be Detected By Vision Screening
- Types of Vision Screening Devices
- Types of Vision Screening Devices (Continued)
- Autorefractors
- Conclusion
- Device Comparisons
- Device Features
- Technical Specifications
- Research
- Retinopathy of Prematurity
- VEGF Growth
- Visual Development & Prematurity
Retinopathy of Prematurity
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vision disorder that can cause blindness in babies and according to the National Eye Institute: ROP occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow and spread throughout the retina, the tissue that lines the back of the eye. These abnormal blood vessels are fragile and can leak, scarring the retina and pulling it out of position. This causes a retinal detachment. Retinal detachment is the main cause of visual impairment and blindness in ROP.
Several complex factors may be responsible for the development of ROP. The eye starts to develop at about 16 weeks of pregnancy, when the blood vessels of the retina begin to form at the optic nerve in the back of the eye. The blood vessels grow gradually toward the edges of the developing retina, supplying oxygen and nutrients. During the last 12 weeks of a pregnancy, the eye develops rapidly. When a baby is born full-term, the retinal blood vessel growth is mostly complete (The retina usually finishes growing a few weeks to a month after birth). But if a baby is born prematurely, before these blood vessels have reached the edges of the retina, normal vessel growth may stop. The edges of the retina—the periphery—may not get enough oxygen and nutrients.
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Raising Money for ROP Research
The Children's Eye Foundation was contacted by the RIPROP Foundation and its founder Dan Lochmann, who's daughter lost sight in one eye due to ROP. Mr. Lochmann started his foundation in hopes of someday being able to say "RIPROP" and to help prevent other children from losing their sight, as his daughter did.
To raise money to help cure ROP, Dan Lochmann and Tim West, two Brits living and working in Tokyo will attempt to cycle around the 88 temples pilgrimage on the Japanese island of Shikoku, covering around 1,400 kilometers in less than 15 days. Look here for more info on the history and route of the pilgrimage: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikoku_Pilgrimage
To follow along as Dan and Tim proceed on their journey, visit their website: http://88temples.posterous.com/