17

What is the history of Retinopathy Of Prematurity?

When was Retinopathy Of Prematurity discovered? What is the story of this discovery? Was it coincidence or not?

History of Retinopathy Of Prematurity

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding eye disorder that primarily affects premature infants. It is characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. ROP was first described in the 1940s and has since become a significant concern in neonatal care.



Historical Background:



The history of ROP begins with the advancements in neonatal medicine during the mid-20th century. With the introduction of incubators and improved care for premature infants, the survival rates of these fragile babies increased. However, doctors soon noticed a disturbing trend - some premature infants were developing vision problems.



1940s - Discovery and Early Observations:



In the 1940s, Dr. Terry and Dr. Cohn first described the condition that would later be known as ROP. They observed that premature infants who had received high levels of oxygen therapy developed abnormal blood vessel growth in their retinas. This discovery marked the beginning of understanding ROP and its association with oxygen exposure.



1950s-1960s - Oxygen Therapy and ROP:



During the 1950s and 1960s, the use of supplemental oxygen became widespread in neonatal care. Oxygen therapy was considered essential for premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome. However, it was during this period that doctors started noticing a strong correlation between the use of high levels of oxygen and the development of ROP.



1970s-1980s - Oxygen Saturation Monitoring and Treatment:



In the 1970s, researchers began to understand the role of oxygen saturation levels in ROP development. They found that maintaining oxygen levels within a specific range could reduce the risk of severe ROP. This led to the development of oxygen saturation monitoring techniques and the implementation of oxygen therapy protocols to minimize the occurrence of ROP.



1990s-Present - Refinements in Treatment and Management:



Since the 1990s, significant progress has been made in the treatment and management of ROP. Advances in imaging technology, such as retinal photography and fluorescein angiography, have improved the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. Laser therapy and cryotherapy have emerged as effective treatments for severe cases of ROP, helping to prevent vision loss and blindness.



Current Challenges and Research:



Despite the advancements in ROP management, challenges remain. The increasing survival rates of extremely premature infants have led to a higher incidence of ROP cases. Additionally, the long-term effects of ROP on visual function and quality of life are still being studied.



Researchers are exploring new treatment modalities, such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs, to further improve outcomes for infants with ROP. Ongoing studies aim to refine screening guidelines, identify genetic factors that contribute to ROP susceptibility, and develop interventions to prevent or minimize the impact of this condition.



Conclusion:



Retinopathy of Prematurity has a rich history that spans several decades. From its initial discovery in the 1940s to the present day, significant progress has been made in understanding, diagnosing, and treating this potentially blinding eye disorder. The ongoing research and advancements in neonatal care continue to shape the management of ROP, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for premature infants.


Diseasemaps
2 answers
History

The First ROP

In 1942, Terry described the first infant who had grey, blood vessel-covered membranes behind the pupil. As more cases were described, the name retrolental fibroplasia (RLF) was coined (Fig. 1⇓ ). Distressingly, it became common around the world in special units for preterm infants. Pathologic specimens were rare (Fig. 2⇓ ) , but serial examinations of preterm infants following birth revealed that infants were not born with RLF; they developed it after birth. By the end of the 1940s, many innovations in the new preterm infant nurseries had been implicated, some were exonerated, and it was time to examine the role of oxygen.

Posted Jun 10, 2017 by Josie 2150

History of Retinopathy Of Prematurity

Retinopathy Of Prematurity life expectancy

What is the life expectancy of someone with Retinopathy Of Prematurity?

4 answers
Celebrities with Retinopathy Of Prematurity

Celebrities with Retinopathy Of Prematurity

2 answers
Is Retinopathy Of Prematurity hereditary?

Is Retinopathy Of Prematurity hereditary?

4 answers
Is Retinopathy Of Prematurity contagious?

Is Retinopathy Of Prematurity contagious?

4 answers
Natural treatment of Retinopathy Of Prematurity

Is there any natural treatment for Retinopathy Of Prematurity?

2 answers
ICD9 and ICD10 codes of Retinopathy Of Prematurity

ICD10 code of Retinopathy Of Prematurity and ICD9 code

4 answers
Living with Retinopathy Of Prematurity

Living with Retinopathy Of Prematurity. How to live with Retinopathy Of Pre...

3 answers
Retinopathy Of Prematurity diet

Retinopathy Of Prematurity diet. Is there a diet which improves the quality...

3 answers

World map of Retinopathy Of Prematurity

Find people with Retinopathy Of Prematurity through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the Retinopathy Of Prematurity community.

Stories of Retinopathy Of Prematurity

RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY STORIES
Retinopathy Of Prematurity stories
my son Alfie was born at 29 weeks due to severe pre eclampsia, he was 2lbs 5oz.  He had 3 lung collapses, was vented until day 6, then cpap then hi flow and by day 11 he was in air! He did need the odd trickle post feeds until around 35w gestation ...

Tell your story and help others

Tell my story

Retinopathy Of Prematurity forum

RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY FORUM
Retinopathy Of Prematurity forum
hello to anyone who reads this. i am ilija i have retinopathy of prematurity the retina on my left eye is ditached i can't see anything on that side. my right eye is functonal but not perfect the retina on that one is slightly detached witch means i...

Ask a question and get answers from other users.

Ask a question

Find your symptoms soulmates

From now on you can add your symptoms in diseasemaps and find your symptoms soulmates. Symptoms soulmates are people with similar symptoms to you.

Symptoms soulmates

Add your symptoms and discover your soulmates map

Soulmates map