[Retinopathy of prematurity].

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a complex disease of the developing retinal vasculature in premature infants. Clinical manifestations range from mild, usually transient changes of the peripheral retina to severe progressive vasoproliferation, and potentally blinding retinal detachment. With better standards in premature units and with increased survival rate of low gestational age and low birth weight infants the incidence of ROP also increased. The incidence of ROP has been decreasing in developed countries over the past decade, and ROP has become potentially confined to immature neonates with birth weights less than 1000 grams in these countries. Prematurity and retinal immaturity are the major risk factors. Oxygenation, respiratory distress, apnea, bradycardia, hearth disease, infection, hypercarbia, acidosis, anemia, and the need for transfusion are thought by some to be contributory factors. All of the preterm babies with a birth weight under 1500 grams and a gestational age under 32 weeks should be followed for ROP.