Transscleral diode laser photocoagulation for type 1 prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity
Mohammad Mehdi Parvaresh1, Khalil Ghasemi Falavarjani1, Mehdi Modarres1
1Eye Research Center, Rassoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Transscleral diode laser photocoagulation effectively treats type 1 prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This safe procedure, performed under topical anesthesia, leads to complete regression of neovascularization without unfavorable outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness.
- Type 1 prethreshold ROP requires timely and effective intervention to prevent severe visual impairment.
- Transscleral diode laser photocoagulation offers a potential treatment modality for ROP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of transscleral diode laser photocoagulation for type 1 prethreshold ROP.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of this minimally invasive technique.
- To determine the rate of ROP regression and adverse effects.
Main Methods:
- A prospective interventional case series involving 139 eyes of 73 infants with type 1 prethreshold ROP.
- Transscleral diode laser photocoagulation applied to the avascular retina under topical anesthesia without conjunctival incision.
- Follow-up for 6 months to assess ROP regression, unfavorable outcomes, and adverse effects.
Main Results:
- Complete regression of neovascularization was achieved in all treated eyes.
- No unfavorable outcomes were recorded during the 6-month follow-up period.
- Minor ocular adverse effects included conjunctival injection, edema, small lacerations, and self-limited vitreous hemorrhage or hyphema.
Conclusions:
- Transscleral diode laser photocoagulation is a safe and effective treatment for type 1 prethreshold ROP.
- The procedure can be successfully performed under topical anesthesia, enhancing patient comfort and reducing procedural complexity.
- This technique represents a valuable option for managing prethreshold ROP, minimizing the risk of severe visual impairment.
Purpose:
To report the outcomes of transscleral diode laser photocoagulation for treatment of type 1 prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Methods:
In this prospective interventional case series, 139 eyes of 73 infants with type 1 prethreshold ROP underwent transscleral diode laser photocoagulation of the avascular retina under topical anesthesia without making a conjunctival incision. Supplemental transpupillary diode laser photocoagulation was used for zone 1 ROP in one eye. All patients were followed for 6 months. Main outcome measures were regression of ROP, incidence of unfavorable outcomes and adverse effects.
Results:
At the end of follow-up, neovascularization regressed completely in all eyes and no eye developed an unfavorable outcome. Repeated laser therapy was performed employing the same technique in 3 eyes (2.3%). Ocular adverse effects were minor including mild conjunctival injection and edema in all patients, small conjunctival lacerations in 12 eyes (8.7%), minor self-limited vitreous hemorrhage in 2 eyes (1.4%) and mild self-limited hyphema in one eye (0.7%).
Conclusion:
Transscleral diode laser photocoagulation is a safe and effective treatment option for type 1 prethreshold ROP. This technique can be performed under topical anesthesia.
