Find in Library

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative disease that affects premature infants. ROP is on a rise in India as a result of the improved neonatal care and better neonatal survival rate. Identifying and screening of at-risk premature infants performed by an experienced ophthalmologist remains the most important strategy in the management of ROP. In developing countries, the introduction of Retcam-assisted screening enables screening and follow-up of the rural population where an experienced ophthalmologist may not be available. Currently, laser photocoagulation of avascular retina has replaced cryotherapy as the gold standard treatment for ROP depending on the severity of disease. Among the various ongoing treatment approaches currently under trial to suppress the neovascularization, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs provide valuable and encouraging information, especially in Zone 1 disease. Although many ongoing animal trials aimed at finding an ideal treatment have come out with newer treatment options, their safety and efficacy in humans are yet to be established.