Late traction detachment in retinopathy of prematurity or ROP-like cases

Five cases of traction retinal detachment occurring later in life as a sequel of cicatricial retinopathy of prematurity or showing the clinical picture of retinopathy of prematurity are reported. They presented with taut membranes in vitreous cavity, causing traction retinal detachment, and often showed preretinal membranes. These membranes were collagen-rich and contained cells with glial characteristics. They seemed to be continuously produced on the surface of the retina from which they detached sometimes in multiple generations. It is likely that chronic exudation from vascular abnormalities is a stimulus for this proliferation. These cases are very similar to other vitreoretinal proliferations in association with vascular abnormalities (Coats' and von Hippel disease, exudative vitreoretinopathy). Supported by: Helena Rubinstein Foundation, N.Y., and Research to Prevent Blindness, N.Y.Presented at the Club Jules Gonin, Vienna, Austria, September 9, 1992