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Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Global Perspective and Recent Developments
Kourosh Sabri1, Anna L Ells2, Elizabeth Y Lee1
1Department of Ophthalmology, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of preventable blindness in preterm infants. This review covers ROP
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of preventable blindness in preterm infants globally.
- Abnormal retinal vascularization in ROP can lead to severe vision impairment and retinal detachment if untreated.
- Epidemiology and management of ROP vary geographically due to differences in neonatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
- To discuss the pathophysiology, classification, diagnosis, screening, and treatment of ROP.
- To highlight historical milestones and recent advances, including telemedicine and artificial intelligence in ROP management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pathophysiology, risk factors, prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of ROP.
- Analysis of global epidemiological data and regional variations in neonatal care.
- Inclusion of recent updates to ROP classification and emerging technologies like AI and telemedicine.
Main Results:
- Understanding of ROP pathophysiology, risk factors, and treatment has evolved.
- Geographic variations in ROP prevalence exist, influenced by neonatal care standards.
- Technological advancements, including AI and telemedicine, are transforming ROP management.
Conclusions:
- Timely detection and treatment are crucial for preventing vision loss in ROP.
- Continued research and technological integration are essential for improving ROP outcomes.
- This review offers a comprehensive overview of ROP for clinicians and researchers.
Abstract:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of potentially preventable blindness in preterm infants worldwide. It is a disease caused by abnormal retinal vascularization that, if not detected and treated in a timely manner, can lead to retinal detachment and severe long term vision impairment. Neonatologists and pediatricians have an important role in the prevention, detection, and management of ROP. Geographic differences in the epidemiology of ROP have been seen globally over the last several decades because of regional differences in neonatal care. Our understanding of the pathophysiology, risk factors, prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of ROP have also evolved over the years. New technological advances are now allowing for the incorporation of telemedicine and artificial intelligence in the management of ROP. In this comprehensive update, we provide a comprehensive review of pathophysiology, classification, diagnosis, global screening, and treatment of ROP. Key historical milestones as well as touching upon the very recent updates to the ROP classification system and technological advances in the field of artificial intelligence and ROP will also be discussed.
