Diagnosis and early follow-up of retinopathy of prematurity.

Low-birthweight premature infants should be screened for ROP by indirect ophthalmoscopy. Repeat examination should be performed until retinal vascularization is complete, regression and stabilization have occurred, or surgical intervention is recommended. Parents should be informed of the diagnosis early and counseled periodically regarding prognosis. Infants with arrested cicatricial changes of ROP should have periodic ophthalmologic examinations for late complications. The emergence of low birthweight as the single most important factor causing ROP calls for societal efforts to reduce the incidence of premature birth.