Retinopathy of Prematurity Incidence in Children

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness in children until the multicenter Cryotherapy for Retinopathy of Prematurity of Prematurity Cooperative Group (CRYO-ROP) published its groundbreaking results. Findings from this landmark research program reduced blindness from ROP by 50%, with subsequent research, predicated on the CRYO-ROP experience, further reducing the incidence of retinal detachments from this condition to less than 10% in high-risk eyes. The CRYO-ROP research team was meticulous, thoughtful, creative, and disciplined. That a team of such disparate disciplines and people could coordinate such an effort is remarkable. The National Eye Institute deserves special mention for its participation in and funding of the study.