How is retinopathy of prematurity screened?

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a reactive proliferative lesion of the immature retinal vascular system stimulated by hypoxia and other factors, often leading to retinal detachment and fibrosis, which seriously affects the vision and eye development of children. Risk factors: prematurity, low birth weight, oxygen absorption, others. Among them, premature babies born at less than 32 weeks of gestation and low birth weight babies with birth weight less than 1500 grams are important risk factors for ROP. Complications: secondary glaucoma, corneal opacity, retinal folds, exotropia. Screening: 1. Screening for fundus lesions should be started in preterm and low birth weight infants with birth weight <2000 g and followed until peripheral retinal vascularization; 2. Screening may be expanded for preterm infants with severe disease; 3. The first examination should be started at 4-6 weeks after birth or 32 weeks of corrected gestational age; 4. The examination should be performed by an ophthalmologist with sufficient experience, and relevant knowledge. According to the recommendations of the guidelines, we refer to the relevant literature that all preterm and low birth weight infants weighing <2000 g at birth, or preterm infants at gestational age <32 weeks need to be screened; Screening time: most ROP occurs in the time window of 31 weeks to 46 weeks of corrected gestational age, or 5 weeks to 19 weeks after birth, suggesting that screening should start at 31 weeks of corrected gestational age or 4 weeks after birth. Screening equipment: It is best to use a wide-angle fundus photography system for screening, which can detect peripheral part lesions early. It also allows for telemedicine consultation and follow-up comparisons.