In the past decade the prevention and management of prematurity have begun to be addressed with more appropriate designs. A few strategies--very few--can now be recommended. A few, some widely implemented, can be abandoned. The risks and benefits of most interventions still require clarification.

Diode laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity was successful in 81% of 21 eyes with 'threshold' (zone 2, stage 3+) disease. This compares favourably with cryotherapy and argon laser photocoagulation. The retinal outcome and technique are discussed.

Eight children with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in whom the corneal diameters were abnormally small in one or both eyes are reported. The mechanisms for microcornea in ROP are discussed. The differential diagnosis of microphthalmos is briefly considered.