Challenge Accepted: Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) During COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Neonatology

Background:

• Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of preventable childhood blindness, particularly in developing countries.
• India and China face a growing public health challenge with increasing ROP blindness rates.
• Factors contributing to rising ROP in India include high preterm birth rates, suboptimal neonatal care, and inadequate screening and treatment programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the escalating problem of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) as a cause of childhood blindness.
• To identify the contributing factors to the increasing incidence of ROP in India.
• To underscore the challenges in ROP screening and treatment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review of the current literature and public health data on retinopathy of prematurity.
• Analysis of factors contributing to ROP prevalence in developing countries, with a focus on India.
• Examination of the impact of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and special newborn care unit (SNCU) practices on ROP outcomes.

Main Results:

• Developing countries, including India and China, are experiencing a rise in ROP-related childhood blindness.
• Suboptimal neonatal care, lack of awareness, and insufficient eye care services in NICUs/SNCUs are key drivers of severe ROP.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated efforts to maintain ROP screening and treatment for vulnerable infants.

Conclusions:

• Urgent interventions are needed to combat the growing epidemic of ROP-related blindness in developing nations.
• Strengthening neonatal care, enhancing public awareness, and implementing robust ROP screening and treatment protocols are critical.
• Continued vigilance and adaptation of ROP care strategies are necessary, particularly in light of global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.