[Pharmacological treatment for retinopathy of prematurity]

Mandatory screening performed by an experience ophthalmologist remains the most important pillar in the management of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The current gold standard for treatment of proliferative ROP is still panretinal laser photocoagulation, depending on severity, in combination with vitreoretinal surgery if necessary. The first case series of off-label intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment are encouraging. In addition to intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, other treatment concepts such as supplementation with IGF-1 or omega-3 fatty acids also represent interesting pharmacological approaches to the management of ROP. However, larger controlled trials are required to validate the benefits and safety of these systemic treatment approaches.