Retinopathy of Prematurity: Pathogenesis and Current Treatment Options

Abstract

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative retinal disorder that continues to be the major cause of preventable childhood blindness worldwide. Its incidence is inversely proportional to gestational age and birth weight. Approximately 65 percent of neonates with <1,250 g birth weight and 80 percent of those with 1,000 g birth weight will develop some degree of ROP. ROP can cause mild retinal disease without major visual defects or can adversely progress to retinal detachment and blindness through aggressive vascular proliferation. The purpose of this article is to raise awareness about the history of ROP, pathogenesis, normal retinal vascular development, international classification of ROP, and risk factors. Conventional ROP treatment and the promising antivascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy will also be explored.