Retinopathy of prematurity: prevalence, screening and treatment

Authors

  • Ahmed Thabit Alnahdi Department of Ophthalmology, East Jeddah General Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • Alaa Ahmed Althemairi King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • Khalid Mohammed Al-Qahtani Khamis Mushait Maternity and Children Hospital, Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia
  • Abdulmohsen M. Alharbi Department of General Surgery, Jahra Hospital, Al Jahra, Kuwait
  • Ahmad Alenezi Department of Family Medicine, Jahra Health Region, Al Jahra, Kuwait
  • Faisal Sulaiman Alkathery College of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
  • Hussein Ahmed Almahdi College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
  • Yahya Ayed Al Majbar College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
  • Hamad Mohammed Asiri College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
  • Mohammad Rashed Alajmi Department of Family Medicine, Jahra Hospital, Al Jahra, Kuwait
  • Abdulaziz Abdullah Alaskar Al-Hazemi Medical Center, Al Yamamah Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20233849

Keywords:

ROP, Screening, Treatment, Prevalence, Infants, Premature

Abstract

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a serious ocular condition arising from improper blood vessel development in the retina, predominantly affecting infants born prematurely or with a birth weight under 1500 g. A global estimate from 2010 indicated that approximately 184,700 infants developed ROP, with around 50,000 progressing to severe stages, yet only 42% received treatment. This article undertakes a thorough review, commencing on 07th November 2023, leveraging databases like Pubmed and Cochrane to synthesize current knowledge and emerging trends in ROP prevalence, screening methodologies, and treatment options. Screening involves repeated eye exams and innovative tools to identify high-risk infants early on. Treatment approaches, encompassing cryotherapy, laser therapy, and anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) medications, are tailored to the severity of ROP. Rigorous follow-up assessments are pivotal for tracking progress and ensuring the welfare of infants undergoing ROP interventions. This comprehensive exploration seeks to enhance awareness and understanding of ROP's global prevalence, screening protocols, and evolving treatments, ultimately contributing to informed decision-making and the advancement of best practices in the early identification and management of ROP among premature infants.

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Published

2023-12-19

How to Cite

Alnahdi, A. T., Althemairi, A. A., Al-Qahtani, K. M., Alharbi, A. M., Alenezi, A., Alkathery, F. S., Almahdi, H. A., Al Majbar, Y. A., Asiri, H. M., Alajmi, M. R., & Alaskar, A. A. (2023). Retinopathy of prematurity: prevalence, screening and treatment. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 11(1), 429–433. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20233849

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (2024): January 2024

Section

Review Articles