New Developments in Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness. The field of ROP has evolved into an important multidisciplinary field including neonatology, ophthalmology, and nursing. Screening guidelines for ROP continue to evolve, now considering both regional differences in risk for ROP, advancement in telemedicine, as well as individual neonatal factors that may contribute towards disease progression. Currently available treatment modalities include both laser surgery as well as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor intravitreal injections. However, there remain significant gaps in our understanding of ROP as well as our ability to prevent, detect and treat it and its associated long-term sequelae.

The goal of this Research Topic is to highlight work which is being done to address the gaps in our understanding of and ability to prevent and treat ROP. Our intent is to provide the latest information in the field of ROP research to enhance our understanding of disease, from the bench to the bedside, such that we can contribute to improving the outcomes of premature infants affected by ROP.

We welcome original research, trials, case reports, systematic reviews and policy and practice reviews, covering but not limited to, the following themes:

• Pathomechanisms of ROP disease

• Biomarkers to predict development and progression of ROP

• Use of advanced imaging techniques, such as ocular coherence tomography and angiography

• Understanding the neuroretinal effects of ROP

• Potential preventative and therapeutic strategies for ROP • Algorithms for improving screening for ROP

• Long-term outcomes research for infants affected with ROP

• Regional differences in clinical care which affect ROP outcomes

• Short- and long-term outcomes related to treatment modalities for ROP

• New therapeutic drugs or interventions for treating ROP