Background and objectives- The present study aimed to determine the frequency and the risk factors related to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in very low birth weight premature newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit department.

Methods- The study was a retrospective cohort. Infants who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study among newborns born from 2020 to 2021 and underwent ROP evaluation at birth. By referring to Khatam al-Anbia Hospital, patients were followed up regarding the development of ROP and, in case of development, its location. The relationship of factors such as gestational age, sex, and birth weight with the ROP and its severity were evaluated.

Results- A total of 374 very low birth weight newborns born during the study period were included, of which 258 (69.98%) had ROP. Gestational age (p<0.001) and weight (p<0.001) of patients with ROP were significantly lower than patients without ROP, and their duration of hospitalization was significantly longer than patients without ROP (p<0.001). Most ROP occurred in zone 2 (61.5%). Gestational age (p<0.001) and weight (p<0.001) of patients with ROP in different zones were significantly different.

Conclusion- The frequency of ROP in very low birth weight infants was higher than that reported in similar studies conducted in the past, and more research is necessary to investigate its cause. Lower weight, lower gestational age, and longer hospitalization are the most important factors related to developing ROP in very low birth weight premature newborns.