Treatment-Requiring Retinopathy of Prematurity by Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Level: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a neovascular retinal disease. With the development of neonatal intensive care units (NICU), the rate of ROP has changed over the years. However, there is a lack of sufficient studies regarding the protocols of NICU and the frequency of ROP. Purpose Our objective is to compare the characteristics of infants who are monitored and treated for ROP in level II and Level ≥ III neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Methods From January 2018 to 2025, we collected data on gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), ROP stages, duration of oxygen therapy, and risk factors associated with different levels of NICU from infants diagnosed with ROP. Results Out of a total of 2071 infants screened for ROP, 1640 (79.2%) were classified as level II, while 431 (20.8%) fell into the category of Level ≥ III NICUs. Among these, 537 infants in level II and 92 infants in Level ≥ III NICUs were diagnosed with ROP at any stage. Severe ROP was identified in 93 (5.7%) infants in level II and 17 (3.9%) infants in Level ≥ III NICUs.