REVIEW PAPER
Advances in the management of retinopathy of prematurity: novel therapeutic approaches and evolving protocols for diagnosis and monitoring
 
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1
Student Scientific Society of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
 
2
Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
 
3
Department of General and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
 
4
Department of Correct, Clinical, and Imaging Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
 
 
Submission date: 2026-01-17
 
 
Final revision date: 2026-03-13
 
 
Acceptance date: 2026-03-23
 
 
Online publication date: 2026-09-23
 
 
Publication date: 2026-10-07
 
 
Corresponding author
Alicja Forma   

Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine
 
 
Pediatr Pol 2026;101(3):213-222
 
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading, largely preventable cause of childhood blindness in preterm infants, arising from disturbed retinal vascular development and multiple perinatal risk factors. The purpose of this narrative review is to synthesize current evidence on ROP epidemiology, pathophysiology, and modifiable risks, and to outline recent advances in diagnosis and management. We summarize the evolution from laser photocoagulation to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy, discussing benefits, limitations, and safety concerns, including persistent avascular retina and late reactivation. Emerging strategies such as dual VEGF/angiopoietin-2 blockade, insulin-like growth factor-1–targeted interventions and ultra-low-dose anti-VEGF regimens are briefly reviewed. We also highlight evolving screening paradigms – including wide-field imaging, optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, fluorescein angiography, teleophthalmology, and artificial-intelligence-supported tools – that may enable more individualized, risk-adapted ROP care and help reduce avoidable blindness worldwide.
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