pediatrics
Retinopathy of Prematurity
Diagnosis of Retinopathy of Prematurity
Ophthalmoscopy Diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity is made by ophthalmoscopic examination, done by an ophthalmologist, which shows a line of demarcation and a ridge in mild cases and proliferation of retinal vessels in more severe cases. Screening ophthalmoscopy is done in all infants weighing < 1500 g or < 30 weeks gestation at birth. Because disease onset is usually at 32 to 34 weeks Gestational Age , screening begins at about 31 weeks gestational age. Ophthalmologic examinations continue every 1 to 3 weeks (depending on the severity of the eye disease) until infants have growth of vessels into the periphery (equivalent to term). Because significant retinopathy of prematurity is rare in appropriately managed infants weighing 