Which is a risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity?

• A. Maternal rubella infection
• B. Maternal alcohol abuse
• C. Perinatal oxygen therapy
• D. Family history of retinal detachment

Answer: (C)

High oxygen exposure in premature infants disrupts normal retinal vessel development, making perinatal oxygen therapy a classic risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity. When newborns receive high concentrations of oxygen, the immature retinal vessels can become constricted or obliterated, slowing or halting normal vascular growth. As oxygen is reduced, the retina becomes relatively hypoxic and releases factors like VEGF that drive abnormal neovascularization. These fragile new vessels can bleed and form fibrous tissue that contracts, pulling on the retina and potentially causing retinal detachment. Other choices don’t fit this neonatal pattern: maternal rubella can cause congenital ocular defects but not the postnatal vascular changes characteristic of ROP; maternal alcohol abuse and a family history of retinal detachment are not established risk factors for ROP in premature infants.