Which ROP zone is associated with peripheral vision?

ROP, or Retinopathy of Prematurity, is a disease that affects the retina of premature infants. It is categorized into different zones based on the extent of the disease and its location within the retina. Understanding the different ROP zones is essential for assessing risk and monitoring the progress of the condition.

Zone 1 is the area closest to the optic disc and is at the highest risk for significant neovascularization and subsequent complications. Zone 2 is the middle region that extends from Zone 1 towards the ora serrata. Zone 3 encompasses the peripheral retina, which is further from the optic disc and entails the outermost areas of the retina that are least vascularized.

The correct answer, Zone 3, is specifically associated with the peripheral vision of the retina. This area is critical to monitor, as ROP can lead to serious visual impairment if not identified and treated appropriately. Damage within Zone 3 can affect the peripheral aspects of visual fields, which are important for spatial orientation and mobility.

Furthermore, assessing the ROP zones aids clinicians in determining the urgency and type of intervention required, as vision loss is most likely to occur when the disease progresses into the more peripheral areas of the retina like Zone 3. Understanding these zones underscores the importance