Screening for retinopathy of prematurity

The results of a prospective study of low birthweight infants (less than 1500 g) identifies those at risk of retinopathy of prematurity (R.O.P.) as being less than or equal to 1250 g birthweight or less than or equal to 30 weeks post-conceptional age (P.C.A.). In these infants the incidence of R.O.P. was 60% (14% grades 3 or 4). In the remainder the overall incidence of R.O.P. was 24%, exclusively grades 1 or 2. Onset of R.O.P. consistently presented at a mean age of 35 weeks P.C.A. (SD 2.25). Routine retinal examination of all infants less than or equal to 1250 g birthweight or less than or equal to 30 weeks gestation is recommended between 33 and 37 weeks P.C.A.