Remote ROP screening as effective as in-person diagnosis, researchers say

Remote screening for retinopathy of prematurity can be accomplished “as effectively as bedside diagnosis, and with potentially greater efficiency,” according to the maker of a photoscreening device.

In the Photographic Screening Study for ROP, a prospective multicenter trial, infants were examined both at bedside with an indirect ophthalmoscope and remotely with the RetCam digital imaging system (MLI Inc.) to determine the presence and level of ROP.

Using the RetCam, researchers accurately diagnosed clinically significant ROP in 100% of the patients in which ROP was detected by indirect ophthalmoscopy. However, the RetCam was able to identify the ROP 1 to 2 weeks earlier than with indirect ophthalmoscopy, according to a press release from the company.

“In the most recent 5 years, the number of cases of severe ROP more than doubled compared to the 5 years prior,” said Anna Ells, MD, an associate professor of surgery at Children’s Hospital in Alberta, Canada, in the release. “This is likely due to advances in technology that allow younger and younger babies to survive. This rising incidence means that, more than ever, we need better and more efficient ways to screen these infants.”