The International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ICROP), the Cryotherapy for Retinopathy of Prematurity (CRYO- ROP) and Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ETROP) trials have had a profound impact on the way in which we screen, treat. It is unlikely that there are enough experienced examiners to do these exams. This means approximately 180000 exams per year. In the USA the premature baby is examined in average 6 times beginning at 31 weeks postmenstrual age prior to discharge from the hospital. The total ROP screening population in Russia is approximately 30000 babies per year. In Russia 93200-108200 babies are born prematurely (with a birth weigh 2500 g or less per year). As premature infant survival increases worldwide, the incidence of ROP also continues to rise.
ROP remains a leading cause of preventable blindness in premature infants worldwide. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoprolifer-ative retinopathy affecting premature infants that may progress to retinal detachment and blindness.
