Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is the leading cause of blindness for children, early detection and treatment can prevent ROP progression and improve the visual prognosis. ROP prevention system, including advocacy, screening, diagnosis/treatment and follow-up, is the key to reducing the rate of blindness in children. The proposed tertiary ROP prevention network includes primary health centers in county-level, secondary health centers in municipal-level and tertiary health centers in provincial-level or national-level. The idea is to explore the greatest benefits in the ROP prevention process from the existing allocation of medical resources, but also to avoid wasting at the current stage of social development. We tested this idea in Shaanxi Province recently. The preliminary practice results indicated that ROP tertiary prevention network can increase the ROP screening coverage, promote the prevention and treatment of ROP. However this work is still in its infancy. We need to expand its scope and strength the advocacy efforts to find a way to prevent and treat ROP in China.
The etiological factors and pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are still unclear, which restricted its effective prevention and treatment. The current animal model widely used in ROP investigation is oxygen-induced retinopathy model, which is lack of specificity, and does not mimic the real pathogenesis status of human ROP patients. Thus, we should refresh our concept, seek breakthroughs in multidisciplines, integrate more risk factors of ROP, utilize the rising technique in transgenic animal, and improve the evaluation system for improving the current models or explore new animal models of ROP. It is important for prevention and treatment of ROP.
The introduction of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy represents a landmark in the management of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, as a new therapy, several problems such as durability of the therapeutic effects, medication side effects, and medication selection have emerged. We should make appoint of improving the therapeutic effect and safety by realizing the limitation of the therapy, monitoring the clinical potential adverse reactions of anti-VEGF agents, and recommending individualized treatment.