Optimal timing of examination for acute retrolental fibroplasia.

The records of low birth weight infants who had ophthalmic examination during the first year of life were studied to determine the optimal age at which to screen for retrolental fibroplasia. Fifty-nine cases of RLF were detected in a total of approximately 175 examinations for the birth weight category under 1700 gm during a five-year period. Although about 25% of the initial examinations were performed prior to age 5 weeks, only two cases of RLF were found in that age range. Nine patients found to have a normal peripheral fundus at initial examination, later developed RLF. Since examinations performed during the fourth fortnight of life were 85% positive for RLF, and since retinal detachment in this condition rarely occurs before age 8 weeks, the present series of cases suggests that the optimal time for a single screening examination for RLF is between 7 and 9 weeks of age.