Diode laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity. Preliminary results

Arch Ophthalmol. 1992 Dec;110(12):1714-6. doi: 10.1001/archopht.1992.01080240054029.

Abstract

In a prospective, randomized clinical trial comparing transscleral cryotherapy with laser photocoagulation in the treatment of "threshold" stage 3+ retinopathy of prematurity, 32 infants were treated with diode laser photocoagulation in one eye. Twenty-eight infants have been followed up for at least 3 months, and seven have been followed up for at least 1 year. Twenty-five of 28 eyes treated with diode laser photocoagulation and followed up for at least 3 months have undergone regression. Of 24 fellow eyes treated with cryotherapy and followed up for at least 3 months, 20 have undergone regression. All seven eyes treated with diode laser photocoagulation and followed up for at least 1 year have undergone regression. Of seven fellow eyes treated with cryotherapy and followed up for at least 1 year, all have undergone regression. Our results suggest that diode laser photocoagulation is as effective as cryotherapy in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cryosurgery
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intraoperative Complications
  • Laser Therapy*
  • Light Coagulation*
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Prospective Studies
  • Reoperation
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / physiopathology
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome