Blindness and partial sight due to retinopathy of prematurity in The Netherlands: 1975-1987

In 1975–1987 at least 84 children developed blindness or impaired vision due to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in the Netherlands. Neonatal data were obtained on 74 (86%). Unexpectedly most children (40 i.e. 54%) had been in level I and II hospitals after birth. Screening for ROP had been either insufficient or not timed according to present recommendations in 33 out of 40 children in level I and II hospitals and 25 out of 34 in level III hospitals. As the number of children with ROP has not changed appreciably over the last 40 years, while birth rates in the Netherlands have steadily decreased, the incidence of blindness/impaired vision due to ROP has probably increased. In the current population at risk of ROP which differs considerably from the one during the first epidemic, the disease may not be completely preventable. We conclude that improvements in screening procedures and timely treatment are crucial in order to improve the present situation.