Korean J Pediatr.  2009 Jan;52(1):22-27. 10.3345/kjp.2009.52.1.22.

Assessment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) revisited

• Kim JH
• Yu YS

• KMID: 2037332
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2009.52.1.22

Abstract

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of blindness that affects premature infants. With advances in neonatology, ROP is likely to emerge as the most serious problem of vision loss in children even in developed countries; such a situation could be called the third epidemic of ROP. However, controversy and uncertainty still surround favorable outcomes of ROP. For successfully controlling ROP, timely and accurate screening is crucial because early treatment leads to favorable outcomes. Standard guidelines, including ROP classification, have provided satisfactory instructions for the screening and treatment of ROP. To improve the structural and functional outcomes of ROP, optimizing the timing of surgical interventions including cryotherapy, laser-photocoagulation, encircling, and vitrectomy is essential; these interventions can prevent the sequelae of ROP. It is essential for the neonatologist and the ophthalmologist to cooperate exte nsively for the successful treatment of ROP.

Keyword

Retinopathy of prematurity; Screening; Diagnosis; Treatment; Prognosis

MeSH Terms

Blindness
Child
Cryotherapy
Diterpenes
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Mass Screening
Neonatology
Prognosis
Retinopathy of Prematurity
Uncertainty
Vision, Ocular
Vitrectomy
Diterpenes