WHICH CHILDREN MUST BE SCREENED FOR RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY, AND HOW SHOULD THEY BE FOLLOWED ONCE DISCHARGED FROM THE HOSPITAL?

Infants who are born prematurely are at risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a potentially blinding disease of the retina centered on the developing vascular bed. Treatment has been available for ROP since 1988 and has been refined over the years. It currently includes peripheral retina cryoablation or laser photocoagulation and the still-controversial injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the form of bevacizumab or ranibizumab. However, to have a high success rate, treatment must be applied within a narrow window of opportunity based on retinal disease parameters. Because this is a treatable disease that is undetectable except by ophthalmologic examination, screening eye examinations become paramount.