Screening program for preventing childhood blindness from retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

Abstract:

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), a condition of retinal blood vessel immaturity and neovascularization, can cause retinal vessel abnormalities and retinal detachment in preterm infants leading to permanent visual impairment and childhood blindness. 

According to the results of the Multicenter Trial of Cryotherapy for ROP (CRYO-ROP) and Early Treatment for ROP (ETROP), the incidence of ROP among infants of <1251 g is 65.8% and 68% respectively. In ETROP, 36.9% of eligible infants reached the potential for visual loss (i.e., needed treatment). ROP is preventable and treatable with an effective screening system and prompt treatment (based on American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommendation in 2013) resulting in a significant reduction of unfavorable visual acuity and structural outcomes. 

This study focuses on revisions to ROP screening systems. First, Beta-Blocker receptor genes will be analyzed to try to identify high-risk infants in need of prompt management. Second, the status of the fellow eye in infants with high-risk ROP when one eye was randomized in the ETROP study will be reported to learn whether some examinations in unstable infants can be postponed.