Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To compare the anatomical, functional and refractive outcome after coagulation treatment (cryo– vs. laser treatment) for threshold ROP over a 12 year period. Methods: 137 eyes (70 patients) were treated, according to the recommendations of the Cryo–ROP Study, between 4/1991 – 2/2002 either with cryo– (46 eyes) or laser– (91 eyes) coagulation. During 0.6–11.5 years of follow–up the anatomical, functional and cycloplegic refractive results were obtained. Results: Median gestational age was 26 weeks in the cryo–group and 25 weeks in the laser–group. Median birth weight was 840g in the cryo–group and 740g in the laser–group. An "unfavorable outcome", as described in the Cryo–ROP Study, occurred in 1/91 (1%) laser–treated eyes and in 3/46 (6.5%) eyes with cryotherapy. Temporal dragging of vessels was noted in 6.7% vs. 15.2% respectively. Visual acuity >=20/25 was achieved in 20/57 eyes (33.3%) with laser– and in 5/34 eyes (14.7%) with cryotherapy (p<0.02). During each of 1–6 years of follow–up mean cycloplegic refraction was significantly less myopic in the laser–group. Conclusions: In our series over a 12 year period a strict screening protocol and treatment at the onset of threshold disease resulted in excellent anatomical, functional and refractive outcome. The results of laser therapy were superior to cryotherapy
Keywords: retinopathy of prematurity • retinal development • refractive error development