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Updated: Sep 13, 2026
Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
[Retinopathy in premature infants]
N E Schalij-Delfos1, J U M Termote, B P Cats
1Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Oogheelkunde, Postbus 9600, 2300 RC Leiden. n.e.schalij-delfos@lumc.nl
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affects premature infants, increasing risks of vision loss. Early screening and treatment are crucial for managing ROP and other eye conditions in these vulnerable children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Context:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affects approximately 30% of premature infants born with low birth weight (<1500 g) or early gestational age (<32 weeks).
- Advances in neonatal care increase survival rates of extremely premature infants, heightening the need for ROP screening.
- Immature infants face a greater risk of ROP, potentially leading to severe visual impairments like short-sightedness or blindness.
Purpose:
- To emphasize the critical importance of regular ophthalmological screening for retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants.
- To highlight the necessity of timely detection and intervention for ROP to prevent permanent visual disability.
- To inform about the long-term risks of other ophthalmologic issues in prematurely born children.
Summary:
- ROP is a significant risk for premature infants, with severity correlating to immaturity at birth.
- Early detection of ROP (stage 3) allows for treatments like cryotherapy or laser therapy.
- Despite treatment, approximately 40% of treated children experience lasting visual impairment, necessitating ongoing monitoring for conditions such as strabismus, amblyopia, and refractive errors.
Impact:
- Timely ROP detection and treatment can mitigate the risk of permanent visual impairment in premature infants.
- Effective management of ROP and associated conditions is vital for improving long-term visual outcomes in this population.
- Raising awareness about ROP risks and management strategies is essential for healthcare providers and parents of premature infants.
Abstract:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is found in about 30% of premature infants with a birth weight < 1500 g and/or a gestational age < 32 weeks. Many risk factors are directly or indirectly involved in the development of ROP. The younger the child and therefore the more immature at birth, the greater the risk of ROP leading to short-sightedness or blindness. As a result of advances in obstetric and neonatal care, more immature and extremely low birth weight infants survive, and thorough ophthalmological screening for ROP is therefore essential. Timely detection (ROP stage 3) enables treatment with cryotherapy or laser therapy. Although the rate of success has increased with these forms of treatment, about 40% of the treated children retain a serious visual handicap. In the Netherlands, this involves about 10 children each year. At a later age, prematurely born children have a higher risk of developing other ophthalmologic problems such as strabismus, amblyopia and refractive errors. Again, timely detection and treatment reduces the risk of permanent visual disability.
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