Retinopathy of prematurity: late complications in the baby boomer generation (1946-1964).
OBJECTIVE
To report the natural history and late complications of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in members of the baby boomer generation (1946-1964).


METHODS
Retrospective observational series of 86 eyes from 47 adult ROP patients (aged 45 to 56 years) who did not receive treatment as infants. Posterior segment pathology, refractive status, lens status, and visual acuity were evaluated.


RESULTS
Seventy-six eyes (88.4%) had posterior segment pathology due to ROP, including 22 (25.6%) with retinal detachments. The rates of myopia and cataract formation were 90.7% and 83.7%, respectively. Visual acuity was 20/200 or worse in 43 eyes (51.2%) and 20/60 or better in 35 (41.7%).


CONCLUSIONS
There are significant late complications of ROP underscoring the importance of lifelong follow-up.
Smith
Bradley T
BT
Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Tasman
William S
WS
D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000209:etiology; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000209:etiology; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000150:complications*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014792:Visual Acuity