Pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity

This article presents the modern concept of the pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity. The main cause is attributed to hyperoxia and an immature protective system, resulting in delayed maturation of vascular autoregulation. The immaturity of ocular vascular autoregulation and its inadequate response to oxygen lead to significant vasoconstriction and development of circulatory hypoxia. Circulatory hypoxia causes excessive release of vascular endothelial growth factor and stimulates pathological angiogenesis. Key words: retinopathy of prematurity, pathogenesis, vascular autoregulation, pathological angiogenesis, vitreous body, vascular endothelial growth factor, circulatory hypoxia