Effect of Retrolental Fibroplasia in Children

Retrolental fibroplasia may be a lifelong disease. The child with retrolental fibroplasia may become a useful, independent adult with a handicap of some degree of ocular damage, or, in the extreme severe form of the disease, may have a futile, passive life as a physically and mentally stunted child in a state institution for retarded children. Infantile blindness is then a minor, and the total deterioration a major, catastrophe of life. Most children range between these two extremes. The progress of these children now can be determined, as sufficient time has elapsed for an investigative study. THE STUDY An evaluation of the effects of retrolental fibroplasia on children was made so that ophthalmologists and pediatricians may know what happens to the child in later years. For this purpose all of the children with retrolental fibroplasia of the University of Chicago Clinics were followed in the clinic, home, and institution and