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Confluent laser photocoagulation for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity

Victor H Gonzalez1, Gian P Giuliari, Rodolfo M Banda

  • 1Valley Retina Institute, McAllen, TX 78503, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
|March 31, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Confluent laser photocoagulation effectively treated threshold retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants, showing a low progression rate to advanced stages. This method demonstrated comparable outcomes and complications to nonconfluent laser treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness.
  • Laser photocoagulation is a standard treatment for threshold ROP.
  • The optimal pattern and density of laser spots remain under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy, outcomes, and complications of the confluent laser technique for threshold ROP in premature infants.
  • To compare outcomes with existing nonconfluent laser treatment methods.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 100 eyes from 51 premature infants with threshold ROP treated between 2003 and 2006.
  • Confluent laser treatment applied 360 degrees anterior to the ridge.
  • Evaluation of progression, retreatment, complications, structural outcomes, and refractive error.

Main Results:

  • Mean gestational age was 28 weeks; mean birth weight was 1,065 g.
  • Progression to stage 4 or 5 ROP occurred in only 6% of eyes.
  • Complications included cataract, vitreous hemorrhage, corneal edema, and macular dragging; mean spherical equivalent was -3.80 D.

Conclusions:

  • Confluent laser photocoagulation is effective in managing threshold ROP, with a low rate of progression to advanced stages.
  • The need for additional treatment was minimal.
  • Complication and structural outcome rates were comparable to nonconfluent laser patterns.
Abstract

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