Advances in neonatal intensive care have improved survival rates in extremely premature infants, which has led to an increase of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in the developed world. Left untreated, infants are at risk of developing strabismus, myopia, vitreous haemorrhage, vitreo-retinal fibrosis, retinal detachment, secondary angle closure glaucoma and, ultimately, complete loss of vision. This article examines the causes and treatments of ROP, as well as implications for future neonatal practice.

Catherine McCrory - Paediatric ophthalmic nurse, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Karen McCutcheon - Senior lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast