Abstract
Purpose: :
To assess the refractive error of preterm babies previously treated with intravitreal bevacizumab for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Methods: :
We conducted a prospective, longitudinal follow-up study of premature infants who were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab for ROP threreshold, type 1 pre-thereshold, and stage IVa previously treated with cryotherapy or laser. Cycloplegic refraction was conducted at 3 years of age
Results: :
Twelve eyes of 6 patients were included in this study. Three patients (six eyes) had previous treatment (laser or cryotherapy) and ROP stage IVa; three patients (six eyes) were classified as stage III. We found that all eyes with stage IVa who had a persistent retinal detachment and an attached macula developed a hyperopic refractive error (+2.00 ± 0.75). Eyes treated for threshold or Type 1 pre-thereshold (6 eyes) developed myopia (-3.25 ± -1.25).
Conclusions: :
Refractive errors, especially myopia, are common in preterm babies, even without ROP. These results may be due to corneal curvature abnormalities after preterm birth. Apparently, refractive error is not modified even when ROP was successfully treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. Further studies need to be performed in order to determine corneal curvature, axial length and changes in refractive error.
Clinical Trial: :
www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00346814
Keywords: refractive error development • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: treatment/prevention assessment/controlled clinical trials • retina