ABSTRACT

Retinopathy of prematurity is a multifactorial disease which is characterized by a pathology in the developing retinal vascularisation of premature babies and causes loss of vision. Although there are many factors responsible for the development of retinopathy of prematurity, two factors, low birth weight and gestational age, are the most important ones. Due to advances in neonatology, which makes it possible the survival of premature babies with lower birth weight and gestational age, cases of retinopathy of prematurity is increasing accordingly. Retinopathy of prematurity is one of the most important causes of blindness among children in developed and developing countries, in spite of the current treatment methods.

The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors in the development of retinopathy in line with the existing literature and to emphasize the importance and characteristics of nursing care related with these preventable risk factors.