Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted from February 2001 through June 2004 for premature infants who were 36 gestational weeks or younger. Three hundred thirty-five consecutive infants were included in the data analysis. Birth weight, gestational age and other risk factors were evaluated according to the development of ROP.

Results: Birth weights ranged from 500-2400 g (mean, 1480.98±294.41g), gestational ages ranged from 26 to 36 weeks (mean, 32.08±2.08). ROP with various stages was present in 81 (24.18%) of the 335 premature infants. Birth weight (chi square: 34.98, sd:3, P<0.001) and gestational age (chi square:50.22, sd:2, P<0.001) appeared to be inversely proportional to the presence of ROP. Respiratory distress syndrome, continuous positive airway pressure, intrauterine growth retardation, anemia, blood transfusions and apnea were significantly associated with ROP (chi square: 22.51, sd: 6, P<0.001).

Conclusion: ROP is known to be a multifactorial disease. In order to avoid blindness caused by ROP, prevention is still the best strategy. This may be possible by regular screening of all premature infants even if >32 weeks of gestational age. Keywords : Retinopathy of prematurity, gestational age, birth weight, risk factors.