Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026
Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
Published on: April 2, 2021
Visual impairment due to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in New Zealand: a 22-year review
Zachary Tan1, CheeFoong Chong2, Brian Darlow3
1School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Insights
Incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) visual impairment in New Zealand children has decreased. Advances in ROP clinical management have improved outcomes, suggesting current screening criteria are effective.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatal care
- Public health
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Effective management and screening protocols are crucial for preventing severe visual outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the trends and outcomes of ROP-related visual impairment in New Zealand children over a 22-year period.
- To assess the effectiveness of current ROP screening criteria.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for children with moderate to severe visual impairment.
- Analysis of data from 1991-2004 and 2005-2012 to identify changes in incidence and outcomes.
- Comparison of demographic and clinical data between the two study periods.
Main Results:
- A decline in the incidence of new ROP-related visual impairment cases was observed, from 271.6 to 146.1 per 100,000 live very preterm births annually.
- The proportion of children with no light perception bilaterally decreased over time (3.7% to 0%).
- Modal visual acuity remained below 6/18-6/60 for a majority of affected children (55.6%).
Conclusions:
- The incidence of significant visual impairment due to ROP has reduced in New Zealand.
- Improvements in clinical management of ROP are likely responsible for the observed decline.
- Current screening criteria for ROP (gestational age <31 weeks or birth weight <1250g) appear adequate.
Aim:
To evaluate retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)-related visual impairment in New Zealand children.
Methods:
22-year retrospective review of medical records of children with moderate to severe visual impairment registered with the Blind and Low Vision Education Network New Zealand. The cohort was divided into two periods (1991-2004; 2005-2012) for analysis.
Results:
232 children with ROP were treated in the study period (109 in period 1, 123 in period 2). 36 children, 63.9% of whom were of male sex, were identified with subsequent significant visual impairment (27 in period 1, 9 in period 2). The incidence of new cases of visual impairment from ROP declined from 271.6 infants/100 000 live very preterm births per annum (period 1) to 146.1 per annum (period 2). Mean gestational age and mean birth weight were comparable between the two study periods. 75% of children with visual impairment from ROP received treatment for their condition (period 1, 74.1%; period 2, 77.8%) and modalities used changed significantly over time. The modal visual outcome overall was Snellen visual acuity <6/18-6/60 (55.6%) (period 1, 51.9%; period 2, 66.7%). The proportion of children with no light perception bilaterally decreased over time (period 1, 3.7%; period 2, 0%).
Conclusions:
There has been a reduction in the incidence of infants with significant visual impairment from ROP over time in New Zealand, likely due to progress in clinical management of ROP. Our study suggests the current ROP screening criteria of <31 weeks' gestation or <1250 g are of sufficient breadth.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Diabetic Retinopathy
01:22Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
01:32The Retina