Synopsis
In this article we discuss the growing problem of ROP worldwide, treatments for severe ROP including standard of care laser treatment, and the need for new treatments. We will also discuss the reasons to consider inhibiting the VEGF signaling pathway in severe ROP and the concerns about broad VEGF inhibition. Finally, we will cover the potential role of VEGF in ROP based on studies in animal models of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), the effects of anti-VEGF based on basic research data, and the clinical relevance of these data.