Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Electroretinogram Recording for Infants and Children under Anesthesia to Achieve Optimal Dark Adaptation and International Standards
Published on: September 3, 2020
UK population based study of severe retinopathy of prematurity: screening, treatment, and outcome
L Haines1, A R Fielder, H Baker
1Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, London, UK.
Insights
Preventable childhood blindness from retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affects premature babies. Early detection and treatment are crucial, as some infants still experience vision deficits despite current UK screening protocols.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of preventable childhood blindness.
- Ophthalmic screening is essential for timely identification and management of ROP to minimize vision impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the incidence of severe ROP (stage 3+) in the UK.
- To characterize clinical features and management of severe ROP.
- To assess the adequacy of current UK ROP screening guidelines.
Main Methods:
- National surveillance program for case identification.
- Ophthalmic follow-up for one year.
- Data collection via clinician-completed questionnaires.
Main Results:
- 233 preterm infants with stage 3 ROP identified (1997-1999).
- ROP severity correlated with prematurity; 59% received treatment.
- UK screening protocol adherence was inconsistent; 13% had severe vision deficit at 1 year.
Conclusions:
- ROP remains a severe disability for some survivors of neonatal intensive care.
- Regional organization of treatment is needed to enhance outcomes.
- Improved standards of practice are necessary for ROP management.
Background:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the few causes of childhood blindness in which severe vision impairment is largely preventable. Ophthalmic screening for ROP is required to identify disease that requires treatment whereby the development of potentially blinding disease can be minimised.
Objectives:
To make the first UK population based estimate of the incidence of babies with severe ROP (stage 3 or more); to document their clinical characteristics and management and to evaluate the appropriateness of current ROP screening guidelines in the UK.
Patients:
Cases were recruited through a national surveillance programme with 1 year ophthalmic follow up and data from clinician completed questionnaires.
Results:
Between 1 December 1997 and 31 March 1999, 233 preterm babies with stage 3 ROP were identified. Severity (location, extent, and presence of plus disease) was associated with degree of prematurity, most severe in the most premature babies. Fifty nine percent were treated. The UK screening protocol was followed in two thirds of cases, but in the remainder it was begun too late or was too infrequent. Three quarters of the cases were followed up at 1 year, and 13% had a severe vision deficit as a result of ROP.
Conclusions:
Visual deficit as a result of ROP in premature babies continues to be a severe disability in some of the survivors of neonatal intensive care. Further efforts are needed to organise treatment regionally to improve outcome and standards of practice.
