[Current ophthalmic aspects of acute retinopathy of prematurity]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neonatology
• Medical Technology

Context:

• Acute retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of vision loss in premature infants due to abnormal retinal vascular development.
• In Germany, 400-600 infants annually require treatment for ROP, with increasing survival rates of extremely low birth weight infants altering disease patterns.
• Current therapeutic strategies and screening guidelines are being revised due to suboptimal functional outcomes in a considerable number of treated infants.

Purpose:

• To review the current understanding of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), including its changing epidemiology and treatment challenges.
• To explore the potential of digital wide-angle photography and telemedicine in enhancing ROP screening, diagnosis, and research.
• To discuss the evolving treatment landscape, contrasting established methods like laser photocoagulation with emerging therapies such as growth factor inhibitors.

Summary:

• ROP remains a critical threat to infant vision, characterized by immature retinal vasculature.
• Advances in neonatal care have increased the survival of very preterm infants, leading to shifts in ROP presentation and management.
• Digital imaging and telemedicine present novel avenues for improving ROP detection and patient management, while treatment options are expanding beyond laser therapy.

Impact:

• Improved diagnostic capabilities through digital imaging and telemedicine can lead to earlier detection and intervention for ROP.
• Re-evaluation of treatment strategies, including the consideration of anti-VEGF therapies, may improve visual outcomes for affected infants.
• Enhanced ophthalmic care and research facilitated by new technologies can contribute to reducing the long-term burden of ROP-related visual impairment.