Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Continuous-wave Thulium Laser for Heating Cultured Cells to Investigate Cellular Thermal Effects
Published on: June 30, 2017
Prospective randomized evaluation of diode-laser and cryotherapy in prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity
Raj Vardhan Azad1, Laxminarayana Pasumala, Harsh Kumar
1Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. rajvardhanazad@hotmail.com
Insights
Both indirect diode laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy effectively treat prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This study shows 100% regression in all treated infants, highlighting effective management for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of blindness in premature infants.
- Early intervention is crucial to prevent severe visual impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of indirect diode laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy for prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized trial involving 36 eyes of 18 premature infants with prethreshold ROP.
- Infants were randomized to receive either indirect laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy.
- Prethreshold ROP was defined based on specific zone and stage criteria with plus disease.
Main Results:
- Complete regression of ROP was observed in all 36 eyes (100%) across both treatment groups.
- Both indirect laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy demonstrated high efficacy in managing prethreshold ROP.
Conclusions:
- Indirect laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy are highly effective treatments for prethreshold ROP.
- Cryotherapy presents a viable, cost-effective alternative in resource-limited settings.
- Timely treatment of prethreshold ROP leads to excellent outcomes.
Purpose:
To study the efficacy of indirect diode laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy in prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Methods:
Thirty-six eyes of 18 premature infants less than 34 weeks gestational age and/or less than 1600 g birth weight with prethreshold ROP were prospectively randomized to treatment with either indirect laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy. Prethreshold ROP was defined as any stage of ROP in zone I with plus disease; or stage 3 with three or more contiguous clock hours or five or more total clock hours of involvement of retina in zone II with plus disease but less than threshold disease. Regression of the ROP was assessed for a minimum period of 6 months.
Results:
Regression of ROP occurred in all 36 eyes (100%) in both groups.
Conclusions:
Excellent results are achieved if ROP is treated at the prethreshold stage with both indirect laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy. Although laser has definite advantages, cryotherapy can be considered as an alternative modality of treatment in developing countries due to economic reasons.