**Core Concept**
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vascular disorder of the retina in premature infants caused by disrupted angiogenesis due to hypoxia, leading to abnormal blood vessel growth and subsequent fibroproliferation. It primarily affects infants with low birth weight and immature retinal vasculature.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
ROP develops in premature infants due to **relative hypoxia** from immature retinal vasculature, not "late crying." Hypoxia triggers **neovascularization**, which then progresses to **fibroproliferation** and retinal detachment. The condition can lead to blindness if untreated, but early detection and treatment with **cryotherapy or photocoagulation** can prevent vision loss. The key mechanism is hypoxia-induced vascular dysregulation, not crying.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
Option B: Incorrectly states that neovascularization follows hypoxia — this is **true** and forms the core pathophysiology.
Option C: While severe cases can result in bilateral blindness, it is **not inevitable** — early intervention prevents this, making this statement misleading but not entirely false.
Option D: This is **true** — early diagnosis and treatment with cryotherapy or photocoagulation can prevent blindness.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The most common cause of ROP is **not crying** but **inadequate oxygenation** due to immature retinal vasculature. Always remember: **"Hypoxia, not crying, causes ROP."**

✓ Correct Answer: A. Occurs in premature infants due to late crying