Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding condition affecting low gestation and very low birth weight infants. Worldwide it is a major cause of preventable blindness. Screening for ROP is undertaken to identify ROP that requires treatment.
This evidence-based guideline for the treatment of ROP was developed by a guideline development group (GDG) of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth), the UK special interest group of ROP screeners and treaters (ROP-SIG) and the charity Bliss. The guideline was produced according to RCOphth standards for guideline development.
The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations and good practice points. Recommendations are graded A-D using SIGN grading hierarchy, according to the strength of the evidence underpinning them. The good practice points (GPP) are a consensus of the GDG. All recommendations and GPPs are given in the Executive Summary. The full guideline should be consulted for the evidence base behind the recommendations.
The guideline has been produced for use within the UK and supersedes the guideline published in 2008.
It will not be applicable in countries where more mature infants are at risk of sight threatening ROP.
Treating Retinopathy of Prematurity in the UK Guideline
Treating Retinopathy of Prematurity in the UK Guideline Exec Summary
You may be interested in The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health’s Screening Retinopathy Prematurity Clinical Guideline, endorsed by the RCOphth.