Background: Laser photocoagulation in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) appears to have fewer adverse effects than cryotherapy and seems to be at least as effective.
Methods: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of diode laser photocoagulation, we included 42 eyes with stage 3+ ROP of 24 preterm infants (gestational age 24-29 weeks, mean +/- SD 26.6 +/- 1.3 weeks; birth weight 480-1400 g, 896 +/- 196 g) in a prospective clinical study. Photocoagulation treatment was performed using a diode laser (810 nm) with a laser indirect ophthalmoscope delivery system. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 16 months (8.8 +/- 4.0 months).
Results: In 39 (93%) of 42 eyes ROP regressed after a single laser treatment and the outcome was a flat, attached retina. One eye (2%) had a second laser session and another eye (2%) had additional retinal detachment surgery, resulting in the regression of ROP and a flat, attached retina. Thus, the success rate was 41 (98%) out of 42 eyes. In one (2%) of the 42 eyes treatment failed and ROP progressed to stage 5, although additional retinal detachment surgery was performed. No adverse side effects of diode laser treatment were noticed except for a small amount of retinal/preretinal bleeding in the ridge in five eyes (12%) and a small postoperative anterior chamber hemorrhage in one eye (2%) with dense tunica vasculosa lentis. Neither lenticular opacities nor cataract formation were encountered.
Conclusion: Diode laser photocoagulation for stage 3+ ROP showed only minor side effects and was at least as effective as cryotherapy treatment.