[Current ophthalmic aspects of acute retinopathy of prematurity].

Acute retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is still a sight-threatening disease of impaired retinal vascular maturation. In Germany, it is estimated that about 400-600 infants per year develop ROP which requires treatment. Increasing survival rates of even extremely low birth weight preterm infants have resulted in a changing disease pattern. In recent years, the classification, screening guidelines and therapeutic strategies have been modified because of disappointing functional results in a significant proportion of infants. Digital wide-angle photography combined with telemedicine opens new opportunities to improve ophthalmic care and for scientific research. In addition to laser photocoagulation, which at present is the recognised treatment of choice, the use of growth factor inhibitors is now under debate.