Abstract
Purpose: :
A study to document structural , visual, and refractive outcome of eyes with threshold ROP, treated with diode laser according to ETROP guidelines, with at least one year of follow-up.
Methods: :
A retrospective study of consecutive cases treated with a diode laser for threshold retinopathy of prematurity at least one year previously. A list of treated children was compiled from the laser record book and details obtained from their hospital notes. Only children still living in the greater city area were included as they had consistent and accessible records.Of 37 treated children, 3 were deceased, 3 were untraceable, and 3 had incomplete data. Fifty six eyes in 28 patients had complete data and were included in the study.Details of structural outcome in each eye, visual acuities from each eye separately including method of testing, and refractive status of each eye, were entered into a spreadsheet. Age at latest assessment varied from 13 to 71 months. In a number of children, acuities from each eye individually were not possible. Formal testing methods were Teller cards, Kay pictures, Cardiff cards.
Results: :
All results are at latest assessment.Structural outcome (all 56 eyes included):95% of eyes had a favourable structural outcome (flat retina and no dragging). One eye had a retinal fold and one other had subtle retinal dragging (but an acuity of 6/9).Monocular acuity from each eye (monocular data available for 28 eyes where both eyes of a child could be tested):96% eyes saw at least 6/60 equivalent (only one eye <6/60).68% eyes saw at least 6/12.36% eyes saw at least 6/9.Binocular acuity (all 28 children, 56 eyes):95% children saw 6/18 or better66% children saw 6/12 or better.24% saw 6/9 or better.Refractive outcome (monocular data available for 42 eyes in 21 children):Range -5.25 to +3.7560% eyes in the range -2.00 to +2.00.47% eyes were myopic (only 2 eyes from 2 different children had >-5.00D error.
Conclusions: :
There is always difficulty and variability in testing acuity at very young ages and several different test methods are needed. This leads to missing data in the best designed studies. Despite this, the study shows that adherence to the ETROP guidelines leads to generally favourable outcomes and forms a basis by which to judge any future changes in treatment.
Keywords: retinopathy of prematurity