Blindness Due to Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the main causes of blindness in children in developed countries such as the United States, Canada and Western Europe, as well as in developing countries such as India, China, Eastern Europe and Latin America.Purpose: This literature review aims to analyze the incidence, risk factors, and therapeutic management of blindness due to retinopathy of prematurity. Method: Writing a literature review was carried out by searching scientific journals via the Pubmed and Google Scholar databases. The search was carried out using the keywords "Blindness", "Retinopathy Prematurity", , "Risk Factor", "Incidence", "Neonates", "Newborn", "Clinical Study". Inclusion criteria include international published journals, journals published in the 2019-2023 period, as well as research journals related to studies on premature babies. Exclusion criteria included studies on test animals and premature infants with hydrocephalus or major congenital abnormalities. Results: 15 complete journal articles were taken which had been assessed according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were used for review. Conclusion: ROP is one of the main causes of blindness in children in developed and developing countries. Low gestational age, low birth weight, and administration of additional oxygen therapy are risk factors for the development of ROP. Laser photocoagulation therapy and anti-VEGF agents (Ranibizumab, Conbercept) are frequently used clinically in the treatment of ROP.