[Retinopathy of prematurity: clinical findings and current opinions on diagnosis and treatment].

INTRODUCTION: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an ophthalmologic condition which may lead to blindness if compounded by other risk factors. Since many years, ROP is among the main causes of impaired visual acuity and blindness in Polish children. Therefore, the understanding of this disease, progress in diagnostics, and improved methods of treatment will contribute to a better prognosis in ROP. Nowadays, diode laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy are modalities used in ophthalmology centers at specific clinical stages of ROP. When performed at the right time, these procedures offer promising results in the re-attachment of the retina and restoration of vision. Interventions for the most advanced vaso-retinal changes are rare because of a poor outcome. Early detection of vascular and retinal changes during ROP is burdened by some technical difficulties. Therefore, classification of findings in ROP should be done by ophthalmologists specialized in this area. The role of the neonatologist is also important, particularly when it comes to awareness of the parents as to the treatment needed by their prematurely born child. Laser photocoagulation, cryotherapy, and surgery undertaken in ROP may lead to ophthalmologic complications, with refraction errors and eyeball mobility disorders being the most common. Consequently, it is important for the child to undergo regular ophthalmologic examinations.