Diode Laser Photocoagulation for Threshold and Zonel Prethreshold Retinopathy of Prematurity

Heo, J H; Yu, Y S

Abstract

To elucidate the results of laser photocoagulation for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity [ROP], we analysed the results of 38 infants [72 eyes] who have been treated with diode laser and followed for 3 months or longer. Surgical outcome was compared by zone, or stage and the incidence of high myopia [>6D] and the degree of myopia were also investigated at the age of 6 months. Seventy eyes [97%] among 72 treated eyes had a favorable outcome. All eyes with zonell threshold [100%] disclosed a better outcome than eyes with zone lthreshold ROP[90%]. In zone lROP, eyes treated at the prethreshold stage [100%] disclosed a better outcome than that treated at threshold [90%]. The degree of myopia and the incidence of high myopia [>6D] were significantly higher in eyes with dragged retina than in eyes without. These results suggest that laser therapy is superior to cryotherapy for the treatment of ROP and a better outcome can be obtained in eyes with zonel ROP when treated at the prethreshold stage. The presence of retinal cicatrization rather than the laser treatment itself seems to be related with post-treatment myopic shift.