Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.
Retrolental fibroplasia (RLF) is an older name for severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants. The term describes fibrous tissue that forms behind the lens as abnormal retinal vessels grow and scar. Scarring can pull on the retina and lead to retinal detachment. Screening and timely treatment lower the risk of severe vision loss.
read more about retrolental fibroplasia rlf ...The underlying condition is ROP, which develops because retinal blood vessels are still forming when a baby is born very early. Prematurity and low birth weight are the strongest risk factors. Supplemental oxygen can contribute when oxygen levels are not carefully monitored, since oxygen shifts can disrupt normal vessel growth. Other neonatal factors such as illness and poor weight gain can also influence risk.
Many infants with ROP have no obvious external signs, which is why screening exams are done in the nursery. In advanced disease, a white reflex in the pupil can appear, sometimes noticed in flash photos. Eyes that do not align well or unusual eye movements can also appear as vision is affected. Any sign of a white pupil or persistent misalignment should prompt urgent pediatric eye evaluation.
Diagnosis is made during ROP screening with a dilated retinal exam by a trained eye doctor. Screening schedules are based on gestational age, birth weight, and neonatal risk factors. The clinician grades stage and zone of disease and checks for plus disease, which signals more aggressive activity. Follow up exams repeat on a schedule because disease can change quickly during the risk window.
Treatment depends on severity and timing, with the goal of stopping abnormal vessel growth before scarring advances. Laser photocoagulation is a standard treatment for many sight-threatening patterns of ROP. Anti-VEGF injections are also used in selected cases with close follow up. If retinal detachment develops, surgery such as vitrectomy may be considered, and outcomes vary by stage.
RLF is an older term used for severe forms of retinopathy of prematurity. Modern care uses the term ROP and grades severity by stage, zone, and plus disease. The retrolental fibroplasia description refers to scarring that can appear in advanced disease. Screening aims to catch treatable stages before severe scarring develops.
Babies born very early or with very low birth weight are the main group screened. Neonatal units follow criteria that also consider medical course and added risk factors. Screening starts on a schedule tied to gestational age and postnatal age. Exams repeat until retinal vessels mature or the risk period passes.
Yes, severe ROP can cause permanent vision loss, especially when scarring leads to retinal detachment. Even without total blindness, complications can include high myopia, strabismus, and amblyopia. Early screening helps identify treatable stages before scarring advances. Follow up through childhood is important for vision development and later eye health.
Retinopathy of Prematurity. National Eye Institute. https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinopathy-prematurity. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
What Is Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)?. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-retinopathy-prematurity. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
Retinopathy of Prematurity. EyeWiki. https://eyewiki.org/Retinopathy_of_Prematurity. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
Retinopathy of Prematurity. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562319/. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
Retinopathy of Prematurity. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001616.htm. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.