Ophthalmic exam to screen for retinopathy of prematurity is mandatory for newborns with bih weight less than
## **Core Concept**
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease of the eye affecting prematurely born babies generally having birth weight less than 1250 grams. It is a leading cause of childhood blindness. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other international bodies have guidelines for screening for ROP.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is based on the guidelines for ROP screening. Premature infants with a birth weight of less than 1500 grams or gestational age of 30 weeks or less are generally recommended for ROP screening. However, the critical threshold often cited for mandatory screening is a birth weight of 1250 grams or less, but guidelines may slightly vary. The option stating 1250 grams aligns with common criteria for high-risk infants.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** 1000 grams. While infants with a birth weight of 1000 grams or less are definitely at high risk for ROP, the threshold for mandatory screening is not exclusively limited to this weight.
- **Option B:** 2000 grams. This is generally considered too high for a threshold for mandatory ROP screening since most guidelines suggest a much lower birth weight.
- **Option D:** 2500 grams. This is well above the typical threshold for ROP screening and is not considered a risk factor for prematurity-related complications like ROP.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that ROP screening is crucial for premature infants, and guidelines often recommend the first examination to be performed at 31-32 weeks' postmenstrual age or 4-6 weeks chronological age, whichever comes later. Early detection through screening can lead to timely treatment and prevention of severe vision loss.
## **Correct Answer:** . 1250 grams.