Outcomes of Retinopathy of Prematurity

Growing rates of premature birth have led to increases in the prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which is now becoming a leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide (1). At the same time, cost-effective and accessible screening methods and medical services may reduce its incidence. Prompt approaches to management of complications, as well as providing low vision aids for children with residual visual capacity, may be useful approaches in managing ROP (2). Individuals with ROP require lifelong ophthalmology follow-up, as premature children with useful vision may develop ocular morbidities in later life. These morbidities include myopia, anisometropia, traction of retina, retinal detachment, strabismus, and amblyopia. Furthermore, impairments in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual field, convergence, and accommodation may be discovered during follow-up (3).