Condition & Treatment

Retinopathy of Prematurity - Treatments

Treatment for ROP depends on the severity and extent of ROP. This is described in stages 1-5 (stage 1 being the least severe and 5 being the most severe), and in zones (zone 1 is the closest to the centre of the retina and zone 3 is the furthest).

The presence or absence of ‘plus disease’ (tortuosity and enlargement of the retinal blood vessels) is also an important factor in determining severity.

Majority of babies with ROP will regress spontaneously but approximately 6% will require treatment. When ROP reaches a certain degree of severity, treatment is recommended to prevent risk of retinal detachment and potential visual loss.

The two common treatments for ROP include:

Laser treatment to the immature retina, or
Intraocular injection of a medication (anti-VEGF) which reduces the formation of abnormal blood vessels within the eye.

In majority of cases, the ROP will regress after treatment. However, a minority may progress onto the more severe Stage 4 or 5 disease, which will require more complex treatment requiring surgery.