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Diode laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity: structural and functional outcome
Insights
Binocular indirect ophthalmoscope (BIO) diode laser photocoagulation effectively treated retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants. This method achieved favorable anatomical and functional outcomes with reduced complications compared to cryotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness.
- Early detection and treatment are crucial for preserving vision in premature infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of ROP treatment using binocular indirect ophthalmoscope (BIO) diode laser photocoagulation.
- To compare the efficacy and morbidity of BIO diode laser treatment with cryotherapy.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 13 infants (25 eyes) with threshold ROP received BIO diode laser photocoagulation.
- Treatment was administered under general anesthesia, with a median of 1200 burns per eye.
- Infants had a median postmenstrual age of 25.5 weeks at birth and 35 weeks at treatment.
Main Results:
- Active retinopathy resolved in all but one infant within 1-2 weeks post-treatment.
- All treated eyes demonstrated favorable anatomical and functional outcomes at a median follow-up of 19.5 months.
- No significant ocular or systemic complications were observed during the procedure.
Conclusions:
- BIO diode laser photocoagulation is an effective treatment for retinopathy of prematurity.
- This treatment modality offers comparable efficacy to cryotherapy with a lower incidence of morbidity.
Aims:
The anatomical and functional outcome of 13 babies with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) treated with binocular indirect ophthalmoscope diode laser photocoagulation was assessed.
Methods:
Thirteen babies (25 eyes) at median postmenstrual age (PMA) 25.5 weeks and median birth weight 725 g were treated with binocular indirect ophthalmoscope (BIO) diode laser photocoagulation when threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was detected at median PMA 35 weeks. Retinopathy was more severe in the nasal retina in 15 eyes. The median severity of retinopathy was 6 clock hours grade 3 disease. All babies were treated under general anaesthetic with no significant ocular or systemic complications during treatment. The median number of burns was 1200.
Results:
Resolution of active retinopathy occurred 1-2 weeks following treatment in all but one baby. All eyes had favourable anatomical and functional outcome as defined by the Cryo-ROP study group at a median age of 19.5 months of follow up.
Conclusion:
BIO diode laser treatment is as effective as cryotherapy with less morbidity.
