Guidelines for ophthalmological screening of premature infants in Germany

These revised guidelines replace the previous guidelines on the screening of preterm infants for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) that were published in 1999. Recently published research provided the impetus for this revision. These guidelines propose the following criteria for an efficient screening programme for the early detection and treatment of ROP in Germany: Inclusion criteria for ROP screening: All preterm infants with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks (if gestational age is unknown; of <1500 g birth weight) should be examined. In addition, all preterm infants with 32-36 weeks gestational age are included if postnatal oxygen was supplemented for more than 3 days. The first examination should be performed within the 5(th) week of postnatal age (day 36-42), but not prior to 31 weeks gestational age. Indications for laser photocoagulation: in Zone I: 1. any stage with "plus disease", 2. stage 3 without "plus disease." In Zone II: stage 3 with extraretinal proliferations in 5 continuous or 8 cumulative clock hours in combination with "plus-disease". In certain cases an earlier treatment may be indicated.