Retinopathy of prematurity.

Abstract

Retinopathy of prematurity has reappeared in the neonatal nursery after largely disappearing 35 years ago. The major factor in its reemergence is the progressive improvement in neonatal care, resulting in salvage of infants who formerly would have been lost. Oxygen is now recognized to be but one of many interacting factors in the development of retinopathy of prematurity, with extreme immaturity being the primary factor. Methods of examination, classification and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity are discussed.