[Retinopathy of prematurity].

The new international classification of the different stages of RLF is presented. The incidence of ROP varies between 10 and 80/100,000 live births, and 7 and 40% of all prematures. Recent data from Switzerland indicate that 12% of the 7-16 years old scholars in schools for visually disabled children have advanced stages of ROP (RLF). 27% of the totally blind scholars have RLF. The main risk factors are immaturity of retinal vascularization and oxygen. Other postulated risk factors like f.e. elevated or fluctuating pCO2 are discussed. Indications and a time schedule for ophthalmological examination are suggested. Prophylactic measures as f.e. Vitamin E administration are briefly mentioned. Finally, ophthalmological treatment is critically evaluated. An efficiency of coagulation has not yet been proven. An uncomplicated retinal detachement can be treated with conventional retinal surgery if it does not regress spontaneously during the course of active ROP. Chances to gain visual benefit from extreme vitreo-retinal surgery of endstage RLF with total retinal detachement cannot yet fully be estimated but seem to be very low.