ROP: 80 Years after Its Detection - Where Do We Stand and How Long Will We Continue to Laser?

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a potentially blinding disease, is increasing worldwide because of the increased survival of extremely preterm and preterm infants born where oxygen monitoring and ROP screening programs are insufficient. Repeated retinal examinations are stressful for infants, and laser photocoagulation treatment for sight-threatening ROP is destructive. The use of anti-VEGF agents instead of lasers is widespread but requires a long-term follow-up because of late recurrence of the disease. In addition, the optimal anti-VEGF agent dosage and long-term systemic effects require further study.

Interventions preventing ROP would be far preferable, and systemic interventions might promote better development of the brain and other organs. Interventions such as improved oxygen control, provision of fresh maternal milk, supplementation with arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, and fetal hemoglobin preservation by reducing blood sample volumes may help prevent ROP and reduce the need for treatment. Free readily available online tools to predict severe ROP may reduce unnecessary eye examinations and select, for screening, those at a high risk of needing treatment.

Treatment warranting ROP is a sign of impaired neurovascular development in the central nervous system. Preventative measures to improve the outcomes are available. Screening can be refined using tools that can predict severe ROP. Laser treatment and anti-VEGF agents are valuable treatment modalities that may complement each other in recurrent ROP.