Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of blindness in children in developed
countries. ROP is a two-phase disease, beginning with delayed retinal vascular growth after
premature birth (Phase I). Phase II follows when Phase I-induced hypoxia releases factors to
stimulate new blood vessel growth. Both oxygen-regulated and non-oxygen-regulated
factors contribute to normal vascular development and retinal neovascularization. Vascular
endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important oxygen-regulated factor. A critical non …