Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative of the developing retina. The consequences of the acutely developing ROP could be devastating for the visual function of the child.
The historic landmarks in the development of ROP and the current opinions on its etiology and pathogenesis are discussed in this article. The importance of the early detection of ROP but also the essentiality of dispensarization care for all children suffering from its consequences from the point of view of the ophthalmologist is emphasized.
The optimal treatment of acutely developing ROP is currently cryopexis and laser photocoagulation. The impending period of microprematurity is connected with higher incidence of atypically developing so-called aggressive forms of ROP.
All the more the emphasis is laid upon the modern screening methods and the correct timing of the therapy with cryopexis or photocoagulation of the retina. The problem of ROP is to a high extent dependant on the level of neonatologic care and we have to declare that the current incidence of ROP is stabilized.
The future rests in the new diagnostic and visualizing technologies and will be connected with the development and application of drugs influencing the metabolism of the retina.