Screening examination of premature infants for retinopathy of prematurity

Steven J. Lichtenstein, Edward G. Buckley, George S. Ellis, Jane D. Kivlin, Gregg T. Lueder, James B. Ruben, Gary T. Denslow, Michael R. Redmond, Michael X. Repka, S. Niccole Alexander, Walter M. Fierson, John Flynn, William Good, Dale L. Phelps, James Reynolds, Richard Saunders

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

390 Scopus citations

Abstract

This statement revises a previous statement on screening of preterm infants for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) that was published in 2001. ROP is a pathologic process that occurs only in immature retinal tissue and can progress to a tractional retinal detachment, which can result in functional or complete blindness. Recent development of peripheral retinal ablative therapy using laser photocoagulation has resulted in the possibility of markedly decreasing the incidence of this poor visual outcome, but the sequential nature of ROP creates a requirement that at-risk preterm infants be examined at proper times to detect the changes of ROP before they become permanently destructive. This statement presents the attributes on which an effective program for detecting and treating ROP could be based, including the timing of initial examination and subsequent reexamination intervals.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)572-576
Number of pages5
JournalPediatrics
Volume117
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Preterm infants
  • Retinopathy of prematurity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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