TY - JOUR
T1 - Retinopathy of prematurity
T2 - Recent advances in our understanding
AU - Wheatley, C. M.
AU - Dickinson, J. L.
AU - Mackey, D. A.
AU - Craig, J. E.
AU - Sale, Michèle M.
PY - 2002/6/24
Y1 - 2002/6/24
N2 - Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has been recognised as an important cause of childhood visual impairment and blindness since the 1940s when improved facilities and treatment increased the survival rate of premature infants. Although its incidence and severity have been decreasing in developed countries over the past two decades, both are increasing in developing nations. ROP is consequently targeted as an important but avoidable disease. This review provides an updated summary and discussion of much of the work that has been produced through population, animal, cell culture, and genetic research. The authors examine the prevalence, risk factors, and possible causes of the disease with a particular focus on genetic studies. They conclude that while significant reductions in the disease have occurred in developed countries, further research is required to fully understand and prevent the disease. In the meantime, development and implementation of appropriate screening and treatment strategies will be critical in reducing blindness in developing countries.
AB - Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has been recognised as an important cause of childhood visual impairment and blindness since the 1940s when improved facilities and treatment increased the survival rate of premature infants. Although its incidence and severity have been decreasing in developed countries over the past two decades, both are increasing in developing nations. ROP is consequently targeted as an important but avoidable disease. This review provides an updated summary and discussion of much of the work that has been produced through population, animal, cell culture, and genetic research. The authors examine the prevalence, risk factors, and possible causes of the disease with a particular focus on genetic studies. They conclude that while significant reductions in the disease have occurred in developed countries, further research is required to fully understand and prevent the disease. In the meantime, development and implementation of appropriate screening and treatment strategies will be critical in reducing blindness in developing countries.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0036283674&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1136/bjo.86.6.696
DO - 10.1136/bjo.86.6.696
M3 - Review article
C2 - 12034695
AN - SCOPUS:0036283674
VL - 86
SP - 696
EP - 700
JO - British Journal of Opthalmology
JF - British Journal of Opthalmology
SN - 0007-1161
IS - 6
ER -