Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening should be initiated at:
- A Birth in all premature infants
- B 4 weeks of chronological age or 31–32 weeks postmenstrual age, whichever is later, in infants with birth weight ≤1500 g or gestational age ≤30 weeks ✓
- C After discharge from NICU when the infant is stable
- D At 6 months corrected age
Correct answer: B. 4 weeks of chronological age or 31–32 weeks postmenstrual age, whichever is later, in infants with birth weight ≤1500 g or gestational age ≤30 weeks
Explanation
ROP screening criteria per Indian guidelines (NNF-ROP) include birth weight ≤1500 g OR gestational age ≤30 weeks, plus selected infants between 1500–2000 g with unstable clinical course. The initial examination is performed at 4 weeks chronological age (postnatal age) or 31–32 weeks postmenstrual age (gestational age + postnatal age), whichever comes later — this timing avoids false-positive screening before ROP typically develops and misses the active treatment window. ROP requiring treatment peaks at 35–40 weeks postmenstrual age.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.