The pathogenesis of this condition is unclear. In the 1960's, a high oxygen concentration was thought to be the principal factor but this is no longer thought to provide a full explanation. The incidence of the disease fell significantly when lower oxygen concentrations were administered to premature babies but has since risen again as the survival of such children has increased with improved neonatal care.
Both an immaturity in the ability of the retinal blood vessels to deal with the high concentrations of oxygen, and the increased blood flow in retinal vessels caused by hyperoxia may be important.
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