Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: In some cases of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a second diode laser treatment of the same eye is necessary. Indications for laser re-treatment and results in these cases have not previously been reported. Methods: Records were reviewed from all patients who received a second laser treatment for ROP on at least one eye at one of five centers over the past 4-7 years. Indications for re-treatment included skip areas, persistent plus disease and/or stage 3, and progression of disease. An unfavorable anatomic outcome was defined, as in the CRYO-ROP study, as a retinal fold through the macula, a retinal detachment in zone I, or a retrolental mass. Results: Of 36 eyes in 26 patients, 31 (86%) had a favorable anatomic outcome and 5 (14%) had an unfavorable outcome. The mean interval between first and second treatment was 16 days (range 4-68). The mean number of laser spots at first treatment was 1675 (1319-2600) in zone I eyes and 1093 (300-1929) in zone II eyes. The mean number of spots at second treatment was 693 (157-1842) in zone I eyes and 364 (100-1274) in zone II eyes. Conclusion: When an eye with severe ROP fails to regress after laser treatment, prompt re-treatment directed at untreated or lightly treated avascular retina results in a favorable anatomic outcome in most cases.
Keywords: 572 retinopathy of prematurity • 454 laser