Retinopathy of prematurity: a review

Retinopathy of prematurity [ROP], previously called retrolental fibroplasia, is a vasoproliferative retinopathy that occurs principally, but not exclusively in premature and low-birth-weight infants. It occurs in two overlapping phases, namely, (a) an acute phase in which normal vasculogenesis is interrupted and a response to injury is observable in the retina and (b) a chronic or late proliferation of membranes into the vitreous during which tractional detachment of the retina, scarring of the macula and significant visual loss occur. More than 90 percent of cases of acute ROP regress spontaneously, healing with minimal scarring and little or no visual loss. Less than 10 percent of the involved eyes go on to significant cicatrisation. Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics Vol. 31(3) 2004: 61-66