Laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding condition that afflicts preterm infants in the neonatal period. Although advances in scleral buckling and vitrectomy techniques offer hope for those infants suffering from stage 4 or 5 ROP, prevention of progression to these stages offers the most promise for favorable structural and visual outcomes. Proper screening for threshold ROP and treatment with peripheral retinal ablation are the keys to successfully managing ROP. Technological advances in screening tools and portable diode lasers enable ophthalmologists to provide prompt, effective, and safe treatment for patients with threshold ROP. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.