Diode laser photocoagulation for stage 3+ retinopathy of prematurity.

BACKGROUND

Laser photocoagulation in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) appears to have fewer adverse effects than cryotherapy and seems to be at least as effective.

METHODS

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of diode laser photocoagulation, we included 42 eyes with stage 3+ ROP of 24 preterm infants (gestational age 24-29 weeks, mean +/- SD 26.6 +/- 1.3 weeks; birth weight 480-1400 g, 896 +/- 196 g) in a prospective clinical study. Photocoagulation treatment was performed using a diode laser (810 nm) with a laser indirect ophthalmoscope delivery system. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 16 months (8.8 +/- 4.0 months).

RESULTS

In 39 (93%) of 42 eyes ROP regressed after a single laser treatment and the outcome was a flat, attached retina. One eye (2%) had a second laser session and another eye (2%) had additional retinal detachment surgery, resulting in the regression of ROP and a flat, attached retina. Thus, the success rate was 41 (98%) out of 42 eyes. In one (2%) of the 42 eyes treatment failed and ROP progressed to stage 5, although additional retinal detachment surgery was performed. No adverse side effects of diode laser treatment were noticed except for a small amount of retinal/preretinal bleeding in the ridge in five eyes (12%) and a small postoperative anterior chamber hemorrhage in one eye (2%) with dense tunica vasculosa lentis. Neither lenticular opacities nor cataract formation were encountered.

CONCLUSION

Diode laser photocoagulation for stage 3+ ROP showed only minor side effects and was at least as effective as cryotherapy treatment.