Disruption of normal retinal vascular development in preterm infants, leading to loss of acuity and field loss, is characteristic of which condition?

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Multiple Choice

Disruption of normal retinal vascular development in preterm infants, leading to loss of acuity and field loss, is characteristic of which condition?

Disruption of normal retinal vascular development in preterm infants, leading to loss of acuity and field loss, is characteristic of retinopathy of prematurity. In preemies, the retinal vessels aren’t fully developed at birth. When exposed to postnatal oxygen and other factors, the vessels can become obliterated and the retina becomes ischemic. The ischemic retina then releases signals that drive abnormal new vessel growth. These fragile vessels can bleed or form scar tissue that contracts, pulling on the retina and causing tractional detachment. This combination of neovascularization and detachment leads to reduced central vision and peripheral field loss. Macular degeneration is generally age-related central vision loss. Retinoblastoma is a malignant intraocular tumor, not a vascular development issue in preterm infants. Optic nerve hypoplasia involves underdevelopment of the optic nerve rather than retinal vascular disruption after birth.

Disruption of normal retinal vascular development in preterm infants, leading to loss of acuity and field loss, is characteristic of retinopathy of prematurity. In preemies, the retinal vessels aren’t fully developed at birth. When exposed to postnatal oxygen and other factors, the vessels can become obliterated and the retina becomes ischemic. The ischemic retina then releases signals that drive abnormal new vessel growth. These fragile vessels can bleed or form scar tissue that contracts, pulling on the retina and causing tractional detachment. This combination of neovascularization and detachment leads to reduced central vision and peripheral field loss.

Macular degeneration is generally age-related central vision loss. Retinoblastoma is a malignant intraocular tumor, not a vascular development issue in preterm infants. Optic nerve hypoplasia involves underdevelopment of the optic nerve rather than retinal vascular disruption after birth.

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