Objective:

To analyze the epidemiology of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) at a single center over the past decade.

Approach:

• Study Design: Retrospective database cohort study using data from Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital between 2015 and 2024.
• Data Stratification: Data categorized into 10 groups by screening year and three subgroups based on gestational age (GA).
• Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis performed using SPSS software (version 23.0).

Key Findings:

• Total of 12,640 infants underwent 31,605 screenings (mean 2.44 per infant).
• Overall ROP incidence rate was 14.18%, with a treatment-requiring rate of 1.59%.
• ROP burden decreased with advancing gestational age: 72.37% incidence for GA <28 weeks, 23.04% for GA 28–<32 weeks, and 6.17% for GA ≥32 weeks.
• Annual screening volume and ROP incidence showed fluctuating trends over the decade.

Interpretation:

Current screening practices appear insufficient, indicating a need for a risk-based strategy for ROP screening.

Limitations:

• Lack of standardized diagnostic criteria and subjectivity in assessments.
• Parental misunderstanding and refusal of procedures leading to loss to follow-up.

Conclusion:

A risk-based strategy is needed for ROP screening, particularly for infants with GA <28 weeks, while those with GA ≥32 weeks may have reduced screening frequency.