Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), originally called retrolental fibroplasia, was first described in 1942 and within a decade became the primary cause of pediatric blindness. By the early 1950s, it was discovered that there was a relationship between ROP and the use of supplemental oxygen therapy for premature infants, although the exact relationship is still not completely understood today.

One of the earliest investigators in elucidating the relationship of oxygen to ROP was Thaddeus S. Szewczyk, MD, a young ophthalmologist in East St. Louis, Illinois. Working entirely alone, without any research assistance, he observed ophthalmoscopically the effect of oxygen on the retinal blood vessels in premature infants. His report was one of the first in the American literature to document such an effect. His initial paper, submitted to the American Journal of Ophthalmology, was judged by the editor to be so significant an observation that it justified expedited publication. The letter sent to Szewczyk on November 12, 1951 from that journal’s editor stated:

“Your paper on “Retrolental fibroplasia” is considered so important that the December issue is being remade so that it can be included. The Journal would be most grateful if you would OK your author’s proofs as soon as they arrive and return them to me.”

This preliminary report in the December 1951 issue attracted worldwide attention.

Submitted by Robert M. Feibel, MD, for the Cogan Ophthalmic History Society.