Retinopathy occurs in premature or low birth weight babies where there is an abnormal development of blood vessels that supply the retina, according to Ahora newspaper’s web site.

Beginning in 2003, through the Cuban program to combat the disease, exams are conducted on all pre-term children born at 32 weeks or less - as well as those who weigh 700 grams or less - and other premature babies born between 32-37 weeks that display any risk factor.

Since last March, 138 pre-term infants were examined - of which 30 were diagnosed as having the disease and eight were operated upon.

From: AIN