Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Rat Model of Photochemically-Induced Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Published on: November 29, 2015
Argon laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity: long-term outcome
L H Ospina1, C J Lyons, C Matsuba
1Department of Ophthalmology, British Columbia Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Insights
Laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in children rarely causes retinal issues long-term. However, neurological problems from extreme prematurity and amblyopia significantly impact vision outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Laser photocoagulation is a common treatment for threshold ROP.
- Long-term outcomes require comprehensive assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate visual, refractive, ocular structural, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children treated for threshold ROP.
- To assess the long-term effects of laser photocoagulation for ROP.
Main Methods:
- Follow-up of 21 survivors of ROP treated with laser photocoagulation.
- Ophthalmologic examinations including visual acuity and refractive error assessment.
- Neurodevelopmental and psychological assessments by paediatric neurologists, developmental paediatricians, and neuropsychologists.
Main Results:
- 71.4% achieved best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or better.
- 62% were myopic (mean -4.95 D).
- Neurological sequelae were common: 23.8% had periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), 33.3% had cerebral palsy (CP), and 62% had intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH).
- CP and IVH strongly associated with BCVA < 20/40 (P=0.009 and 0.047).
- Better cognitive outcome associated with BCVA ≥ 20/40 (P=0.013).
Conclusions:
- Retinal scarring and detachment are infrequent causes of visual morbidity post-ROP laser treatment.
- Neurological sequelae of extreme prematurity and amblyopia are significant contributors to visual impairment.
- Comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment is crucial for children treated for ROP.
Purpose:
To assess the visual, refractive, ocular structural, and neurodevelopmental outcome in a group of children who were screened, treated with laser photocoagulation for threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and followed up at our institution.
Methods:
The 21 survivors of a cohort of 23 children were recalled at the age of 5 years or more. They underwent a full ophthalmologic examination. A paediatric neurologist and/or developmental paediatrician performed a neurodevelopmental assessment and a neuropsychologist performed psychological testing.
Results:
A total of 30 eyes (71.4%) had a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or better. In all, 26 (62%) eyes were myopic; the overall mean spherical equivalent was -4.95 D. No eye had Stage 4 findings and only one eye (2.4%) progressed to stage 5 despite photocoagulation. In total, 14 patients (66.6%) showed evidence of stereopsis. Strabismus was seen in six patients (28.5%) and nystagmus in three (14.3%). Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) was identified in five patients (23.8%), cerebral palsy (CP) in seven (33.3%), and intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) in 13 (62%). Cerebral palsy and IVH associated strongly with visual acuity of less than 20/40 (P=0.009 and 0.047). There was also a strong association between visual acuity of 20/40 or above and a better cognitive outcome (P=0.013).
Conclusions:
Retinal scarring and detachment are relatively rare causes of visual morbidity 5 years or more after laser treatment for threshold ROP, but the neurological sequelae of extreme prematurity and amblyopia remain important causes of impaired visual function.
