Effect of solar activity and gestational age on the development of retinopathy of prematurity

The purpose of the investigation is to analyze prevalence and progression of retinopathy of prematurity depending on gestational age and solar activity at the time of birth. Material and Methods. 229 cases of premature babies born from 2017 to 2019 were randomly selected. They were divided into two groups: group I - children with retinopathy of prematurity (1, 2 and 3 degree) and group II -without any retinopathy (pre retinopathy). The disease outcome was taken into account in children with retinopathy of prematurity: children undergone laser coagulation (LK) and spontaneous regression. Based on the date of birth all children were divided according to seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn) and periods of solar activity: reduced (winter-autumn) and increased (spring-summer) solar activity. Results. The study revealed a strong direct relationship between the outcome of retinopathy and gestational age and seasonal solar activity. Conclusion. In children born in spring and summer, the rate of spontaneous regression of retinopathy is significantly lowerthan in children born in the winter-autumn period. Reliable correlations were obtained: the longerthe gestational age and birth weight, the less likely it is to require laser coagulation.