Retinopathy of prematurity.

ROP is a challenging disease of the decade of the 1980s. Answers, even partial answers, to many of its questions may provide information bearing on those same questions in other blinding vascular retinopathies, such as diabetes and sickle cell disease. Answers more clearly defining the role of oxygen, ventilation, antioxidants, blood transfusions, and a host of diseases of the premature infant will lead to better care of that infant. I have tried in this article to present the boundaries of the problem, a theory of its genesis and progression, and a review of the major issues to be confronted by the pediatric, ophthalmologic, and basic science communities through its recurrence today. I have tried to make it clear to the reader when I was so doing. I have used information liberally from studies both under way and in the planning stages to make the reader aware of what is being done, even if these have not yet reached fruition, for the field is a rapidly growing one. Finally, I have tried to point out directions that I believe clinical and experimental work should take on certain critical issues.