Retinopathy of Prematurity: Current Understanding and Treatment

Retinopathy of prematury (ROP) is a major cause of blindness that affects premature infants. With advances in neonatology, ROP is likely to emerge as a more significant problem of vision loss in children in developing countries. With the recent advances in basic science research, our understanding of the pathophysiology of ROP has rapidly evolved. Clinical trials along with natural history of the disease have lead to updated screening and treatment guidelines. For successful control of ROP, timely and accurate screening is very important because early treatment leads to favorable outcomes. New treatment modalities are being explored with pharmacologic agents targeting the modulation of angiogenesis. The improved surgical intervention offers the potential for preservation of vision for eyes of ROP-related retinal detachment. The body of information germane to caring for ROP from infancy to adulthood continues to grow up. Improved surveillance and treatment programmes are likely to be most effective in reducing blindness caused by ROP in developing countries.