Retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative disorder of the retina that occurs in premature and low birth weight babies. Stages of ROP are 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B and 5. There are three zones I, II and III. Screening is essential to detect ROP. Whom, when and how to screen ROP has been narrated in a nutshell. Once threshold ROP is detected, it is essential to treat within 72 hours. Retinal ablation of the avascular retina is done using laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy. Rush disease is primarily a zone I ROP with extraretinal proliferation. It requires aggressive laser treatment with larger number of high intensity closely applied spots to stop the progression. Surgical management is advocated in stages IVA and IVB ROP by scleral buckling. Stage V requires complex vitreoretinal surgery. It is important to promote awareness about the disease and to ensure timely management to prevent blindness.