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Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): Are We There Yet?
Eva Coughlin1, Waylon Alvarado1, Veluchamy A Barathi2
1Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a growing cause of preventable blindness in preterm infants globally. Standardizing care and improving access are crucial, but long-term safety of new treatments like anti-VEGF needs more research.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) affects preterm infants globally, linked to neonatal supplemental oxygen.
- Despite advances, ROP remains a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness.
- Rising preterm birth survival rates correlate with increasing ROP incidence worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the need for global standardization in ROP screening, diagnosis, and management.
- To discuss the evolving treatment landscape, including intravitreal anti-VEGF injections.
- To emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork, parental involvement, and addressing socioeconomic disparities in ROP care.
Main Methods:
- This perspective synthesizes current knowledge and identifies gaps in ROP care.
- It reviews advancements in screening criteria (ICROP) and therapeutic interventions.
- It discusses challenges including access to care and the need for longitudinal safety data.
Main Results:
- ROP incidence is increasing globally, even in developed nations.
- Intravitreal anti-VEGF agents are transforming ROP management but require long-term safety evaluation.
- Global standardization of care, equitable access, and parental support are critical for improving outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Global standardization of ROP prevention and care is essential but currently incomplete.
- Equitable access to ROP-trained specialists remains a significant challenge.
- Further longitudinal research is necessary to clarify the long-term safety and efficacy of anti-VEGF treatments for ROP.
