Study of Incidence and Risk Factors of Retinopathy of Prematurity in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India

Retinopathy of Prematurity is a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness, particularly in developing countries like India, where neonatal survival rates are improving. This study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for ROP in a tertiary care hospital in Central India. Methods: A two-year prospective observational study was conducted in which 158 preterm infants who met the inclusion criteria, i.e. gestational age ≤34 weeks, birth weight ≤2000 grams, or associated risk factors, were enrolled. Infants were screened as per the Rashtriya Bal Swasth Karyakram guidelines, India, and Retinopathy of Prematurity was diagnosed and graded according to the International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity .Data analysis was performed using Epi Info™ software. Results: The overall incidence was 27.2%, with 7% of cases presenting with aggressive posterior Retinopathy of Prematurity.Risk factors that are significantly related are preterm, low birth weight, babies receiving oxygen, having respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal sepsis, blood transfusion, anaemia and hypoglycaemia. Conclusions: The results highlight the need for early screening, strict oxygen monitoring, and timely intervention to reduce the burden of Retinopathy of Prematurity -related blindness. This study is consistent with global trends showing that the incidence in developing countries differs from that in high-income countries due to differences in the quality of neonatal care. Strengthening screening programs, increasing awareness among healthcare providers, and improving neonatal care practices are crucial to reducing the impact of Retinopathy of Prematurity in India. Keywords: ROP, low birth weight, gestational age, oxygen, respiratory distress.