Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
Published on: April 2, 2021
Retinopathy of prematurity: A refresher for obstetricians
Agnieszka K Oleszczuk1, Zbigniew Zagorski, Andrzej Stankiewicz
1Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland. agaoleszczuk@yahoo.com
Insights
Advances in neonatal care have increased survival for preterm infants but also raised the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This paper outlines ROP
Area of Science:
- Neonatal ophthalmology
- Perinatal medicine
- Public health
Background:
- Neonatal care advances improve preterm infant survival but increase retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) incidence.
- Key ROP risk factors include low birth weight, early gestational age, and prolonged oxygen therapy.
- Screening premature infants is crucial for ROP prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
- To detail ROP epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, prevention strategies, and management.
- To present specific guidelines for obstetricians managing ROP risk in preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current research on ROP.
- Analysis of guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS).
- Development of practical recommendations for obstetricians based on expert consensus.
Main Results:
- Identified critical risk factors and screening protocols for ROP.
- Summarized current understanding of ROP's multifaceted nature.
- Provided evidence-based guidelines tailored for obstetricians' role in ROP management.
Conclusions:
- Effective ROP management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving ophthalmologists, pediatricians, and obstetricians.
- Adherence to screening guidelines and risk factor awareness can mitigate ROP's impact.
- Early detection and intervention are paramount for preserving vision in preterm infants affected by ROP.
Abstract:
Advances in neonatal care improved the survival of many preterm infants, but also increased the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Numerous risk factors have been associated with the development of ROP, the most important of which are: low birth weight, early gestational age at delivery, and duration of oxygen therapy. Screening premature infants is a critical factor for any prevention and treatment protocol. The Retinopathy of Prematurity Subcommittee of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) have developed guidelines that assist practicing physicians in managing children with ROP. A portion of these guidelines is particularly applicable to practicing obstetricians who, along with the pediatricians, are often the primary physicians for the affected families. The aim of this paper is to present a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, etiology, manifestations, prevention, and management of ROP. In the last section, the authors present guidelines for practicing obstetricians that incorporate the most recent recommendations of ophthalmic and pediatric thought leaders.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Diabetic Retinopathy
01:32The Retina
01:25Glaucoma: Overview