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Treatment of retinopathy of prematurity with argon laser photocoagulation
M B Landers1, C A Toth, H C Semple
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento 95816.
Insights
Argon laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity in infants showed a 73% favorable outcome. This treatment for premature infants successfully regressed abnormal blood vessel growth in most cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of blindness in premature infants.
- Advanced ROP, particularly stage 3 with plus disease, requires timely intervention to prevent vision loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of confluent photocoagulation using an argon laser indirect ophthalmoscope for treating advanced retinopathy of prematurity.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen eyes of nine infants with stage 3 ROP and plus disease underwent confluent photocoagulation of the avascular retina with an argon laser.
- Follow-up was conducted for a minimum of six months post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Early regression of extraretinal proliferation was observed in 13 eyes (87%).
- A favorable outcome was achieved in 11 treated eyes (73%) at the 6-month follow-up.
- Four eyes (27%) progressed to an unfavorable outcome.
- No intraocular hemorrhages were reported during the laser treatment procedure.
Conclusions:
- Confluent photocoagulation with an argon laser is an effective treatment for advanced retinopathy of prematurity, leading to favorable outcomes in a majority of treated eyes.
- The procedure demonstrated a good safety profile with no intraocular hemorrhages.
Abstract:
Fifteen eyes of nine infants were treated for retinopathy of prematurity by confluent photocoagulation of the avascular retina using an argon laser indirect ophthalmoscope. All treated eyes presented at or beyond threshold of stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity with "plus" disease. Three treated eyes had retinopathy of prematurity in zone I. Early complete regression of extraretinal proliferation was seen in 13 eyes. At 6 month's [corrected] minimum follow-up, 11 (73%) of the treated eyes demonstrated a favorable outcome, while four eyes (27%) progressed to an unfavorable outcome. No intraocular hemorrhages occurred during any laser treatment.