Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): Classification, Risk Factors & Treatment

Retinopathy of prematurity is a disease caused by abnormal vessel regression of the retinal vasculature that affects premature infants with low birth weights. Despite significant improvements in screening guidelines and treatment modalties, ROP is still the leading cause of reversible paediatric blindness worldwide. The authors of this book explore the possibility of applying the concept of fractal analysis to images of retinal blood vessels for morphometric analysis and classification; the quality of life for children with retinopathy of prematurity; the differences in ethnicity and socioeconomic status that influence the prevalence, risks, outcome and management of ROP; the outcome and prognostic factors of the intravitreal administration of bevacizumab for ROP; the outcomes of transpupillary diode laser photocoagulation for ROP; new therapeutic strategies for treating ROP and late complications that can develop and persistent into later childhood and even adult life (for example, long-term refractive errors, amblyopia, strabismus and optic nerve abnormalities).