Current and future trends in treatment of severe retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract

Treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is indicated when type 1 disease is present. The Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ETROP) clinical trial established that laser treatment of severe ROP has a high rate of visual and anatomic success. Recently, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs such as bevacizumab have been used in lieu of or in addition to laser treatment. Results are promising, but long-term outcomes and systemic side effects are unknown. Future studies are needed to determine whether anti-VEGF treatment is superior to laser and, if so, which drug and dose are safe and effective.