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Retinopathy of prematurity: clinical aspects
1Division of Neuroscience and Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Western Eye Hospital, London, UK. a.fielder@ic.ac.uk
Insights
Recent advances enhance retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) identification and management. This review covers ROP
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Global disparities exist in ROP incidence, management, and outcomes.
- Recent therapeutic and diagnostic advancements offer improved patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical features, epidemiology, and global impact of retinopathy of prematurity.
- To discuss current screening principles and evolving treatment strategies for ROP.
- To explore future directions in ROP management and screening technologies.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of retinopathy of prematurity.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and treatment outcomes.
- Discussion of current clinical guidelines and emerging technologies.
Main Results:
- Laser therapy is now the preferred treatment over cryotherapy for ROP.
- Earlier intervention strategies are being considered for ROP treatment.
- ROP-induced disability significantly impacts various income-level countries.
Conclusions:
- Continuous advancements are improving ROP identification and management.
- Future ROP screening may incorporate innovative ocular imaging techniques.
- Adapting screening guidelines for diverse populations remains a critical consideration.
Abstract:
There have been many major advances recently that have improved the identification and management of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This chapter describes the clinical features of ROP and then considers briefly the incidence and epidemiology of acute phase disease. This is followed by a discussion of the two ROP epidemics and ROP-induced disability in high, low and middle income countries, and how this has been impacted by treatment. The principles and specifics of screening for ROP are considered, focusing on certain topical issues such as whether one screening guideline suits all populations. Treatment has undergone several advances, so that now laser therapy has overtaken cryotherapy as the preferred mode of treatment, and treatment at an earlier stage is now being considered. Finally, the authors attempt to look into the future and wonder how the criteria for treatment will change, and whether innovations in ocular imaging will impact ROP screening in both high and middle income countries.