Viktória Slezáková, Beáta Šoltýsová
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) represents most frequent source of functional or complete blindness for children, especially in advanced countries. In spite of intensive research, its etiology has not been sufficiently explained yet. The aim of the present study is to provide current view on pathogenesis and risk factors of ROP, as their knowledge allow us to more effective prevention. Good management of this disease is driven mainly by correct timing of the first ophthalmology examination together with determination of frequency in subsequent controls. These steps should lead to prevent of superfluous loading of patients and to achieve more effective outcomes of examination. Early diagnostic of threshold or pre-threshold level of ROP and their therapy result in decline of potential negative effects of disease. Cryotherapy and laser photocoagulation belong to the worldwide used therapy. Infants with ROP after surgery can be more sensitive on later complications and therefore they require further treatments, i.e. they are still follow-up by ophthalmologist. These infants are commonly located within specialized centres for ROP.