Retinopathy of prematurity: late complications in the baby boomer generation (1946-1964).

PURPOSE: To report the natural history and late complications of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in members of the baby boomer generation (1946-1964).

METHODS

Retrospective observational series of 86 eyes from 47 adult ROP patients (aged 45 to 56 years) who did not receive treatment as infants. Posterior segment pathology, refractive status, lens status, and visual acuity were evaluated.

RESULTS

Seventy-six eyes (88.4%) had posterior segment pathology due to ROP, including 22 (25.6%) with retinal detachments. The rates of myopia and cataract formation were 90.7% and 83.7%, respectively. Visual acuity was 20/200 or worse in 43 eyes (51.2%) and 20/60 or better in 35 (41.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

There are significant late complications of ROP underscoring the importance of lifelong follow-up.