Speculation on carbon dioxide and retrolental fibroplasia

To the Editor.— Gole and Gannon1 have apparently misconstrued our letter.2 It was not our intention that the proposed model for the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) be accepted as a basis for clinical treatment. Instead, this model was propounded in hopes of stimulating further research into the possible role of CO2 in the pathogenesis of ROP. Therefore, we must respond to their charges of "speculation" by stating that this letter was obviously speculative in nature; however, all the assumptions made can be defended.