It is hypothesized that light reduction to the eyes of extremely preterm, infants may be effective in preventing Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). Previous reports on the use of light reduction to the eyes of preterm infants for prevention of ROP have produced conflicting results. In this study, infants weighing less than 1251 grams at birth will be prospectively randomized within 24 hours of birth to wear goggles containing 97% neutral density filters until 31 weeks of gestational age (GA) or 4 weeks post- natal age (whichever is longer), or to have no extraordinary means of light reduction (control group). Eyes will be examined on a prescribed schedule until any ROP or full vascularization of the retina is achieved. The primary objective of this study will be to determine whether or not light reduction will decrease the incidence of ROP. The complete description of the experimental design and scientific goals of the LIGHT=ROP Study appear in the attached Manual of Procedures. Because this is a feasibility study we will only be able to evaluate statistical trends, not answer the question definitively. In addition to presenting the LIGHT-ROP Study in general, this application is for funding of the study headquarters, study centers (Buffalo and Dallas) and the coordinating center (Houston).
Reynolds, James D; Dobson, Velma; Quinn, Graham E et al. (2002) Evidence-based screening criteria for retinopathy of prematurity: natural history data from the CRYO-ROP and LIGHT-ROP studies. Arch Ophthalmol 120:1470-6 |
Kennedy, K A; Fielder, A R; Hardy, R J et al. (2001) Reduced lighting does not improve medical outcomes in very low birth weight infants. J Pediatr 139:527-31 |
(1999) The design of the multicenter study of light reduction in retinopathy of prematurity (LIGHT-ROP). J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 36:257-63 |
Reynolds, J D; Hardy, R J; Kennedy, K A et al. (1998) Lack of efficacy of light reduction in preventing retinopathy of prematurity. Light Reduction in Retinopathy of Prematurity (LIGHT-ROP) Cooperative Group. N Engl J Med 338:1572-6 |