👶 Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Screening Indication
This tool applies the Chinese retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening criteria to decide whether a preterm infant needs fundus examination, with first-exam timing and staging reference.
The Chinese thresholds (GA < 32 wk or BW < 2000 g) are deliberately broader than US AAP criteria (GA ≤ 30 wk or BW ≤ 1500 g) to reduce missed disease.
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When to use
Use in the NICU to identify preterm infants who require ROP screening and to schedule the first dilated fundus examination.
How it works
Screen if GA < 32 wk OR birth weight < 2000 g OR (birth weight ≥ 2000 g but critically ill with prolonged oxygen). First exam at 4–6 weeks postnatal or 32 weeks corrected GA, whichever is later.
Key points
- The Chinese thresholds (GA < 32 wk or BW < 2000 g) are deliberately broader than US AAP criteria (GA ≤ 30 wk or BW ≤ 1500 g) to reduce missed disease.
- Follow-up interval is set by zone, stage and the presence of plus disease; type 1 / threshold disease is referred for laser or anti-VEGF treatment.
- Pre-threshold disease tends to appear around 36 weeks corrected GA and threshold disease around 37 weeks, so timely first screening and follow-up prevent ROP blindness.
References
- Chinese ROP Screening Guideline (2014), Chinese Medical Association ophthalmology group.
- Fierson WM, AAP. Screening Examination of Premature Infants for ROP. Pediatrics 2018.
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| Gestational age at birth | 30 wk |
|---|---|
| Birth weight | 1500 g |
| Birth weight ≥ 2000 g but critically ill (prolonged oxygen / mechanical ventilation / CPAP) | No |
→ROP screeningScreening needed
- Determination：Meets screening indication (GA < 32 wk; birth weight < 2000 g)
- First-exam timing：Start at 4–6 weeks postnatal OR 32 weeks corrected GA (whichever is later)
- Staging reference：Stage 1 demarcation line / stage 2 ridge / stage 3 extraretinal neovascular proliferation on the ridge / stage 4 tractional retinal detachment (4A no macular detachment · 4B macular detachment) / stage 5 total detachment; also aggressive posterior AP-ROP. Pre-threshold disease around 36 weeks corrected GA, threshold disease around 37 weeks
Frequently asked questions
- What is Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Screening Indication?
- This tool applies the Chinese retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening criteria to decide whether a preterm infant needs fundus examination, with first-exam timing and staging reference.
- How is Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Screening Indication calculated? What is the core formula?
- Screen if GA < 32 wk OR birth weight < 2000 g OR (birth weight ≥ 2000 g but critically ill with prolonged oxygen). First exam at 4–6 weeks postnatal or 32 weeks corrected GA, whichever is later.
- When is Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Screening Indication used?
- Use in the NICU to identify preterm infants who require ROP screening and to schedule the first dilated fundus examination.
- What are the key clinical points for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Screening Indication?
- The Chinese thresholds (GA < 32 wk or BW < 2000 g) are deliberately broader than US AAP criteria (GA ≤ 30 wk or BW ≤ 1500 g) to reduce missed disease. Follow-up interval is set by zone, stage and the presence of plus disease; type 1 / threshold disease is referred for laser or anti-VEGF treatment. Pre-threshold disease tends to appear around 36 weeks corrected GA and threshold disease around 37 weeks, so timely first screening and follow-up prevent ROP blindness.
- What are the limits and cautions when using Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Screening Indication?
- For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
- How is Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Screening Indication calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: Gestational age at birth 30 wk, Birth weight 1500 g, Birth weight ≥ 2000 g but critically ill (prolonged oxygen / mechanical ventilation / CPAP) No → Result: ROP screening Screening needed（Determination: Meets screening indication (GA < 32 wk; birth weight < 2000 g), First-exam timing: Start at 4–6 weeks postnatal OR 32 weeks corrected GA (whichever is later), Staging reference: Stage 1 demarcation line / stage 2 ridge / stage 3 extraretinal neovascular proliferation on the ridge / stage 4 tractional retinal detachment (4A no macular detachment · 4B macular detachment) / stage 5 total detachment; also aggressive posterior AP-ROP. Pre-threshold disease around 36 weeks corrected GA, threshold disease around 37 weeks）