Late onset vitreoretinal complications of regressed retinopathy of prematurity

Br J Ophthalmol. 2004 Feb;88(2):243-6. doi: 10.1136/bjo.2003.022962.

Abstract

Aim: To report the clinical findings, management, and outcomes in eyes undergoing surgery for regressed retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with vitreoretinal complications.

Method: Retrospective review of 40 eyes of 32 patients with regressed ROP who presented between 1989 and 2001 at two UK referral centres.

Results: Of 29 eyes presenting with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), 15 initially underwent a scleral buckling procedure and 14 initially underwent vitrectomy with or without additional buckling. Primary surgery was anatomically successful in 11/15 eyes that underwent a non-vitrectomy retinal detachment repair and 8/14 that required vitrectomy. The final reattachment rate after reoperation was 28/29 eyes. Median visual acuity improved from 6/60 to 6/36 following retinal detachment repair. A further 11 eyes of eight patients from this series underwent prophylactic surgery, laser, or cryotherapy for predisposing vitreoretinal pathology and/or retinal breaks, all of which were stabilised.

Conclusions: In eyes with RRD and signs of regressed ROP successful reattachment of the retina can be achieved using either vitrectomy or external surgery with an associated overall improvement in visual acuity. A range of external and closed microsurgical approaches is required to effectively deal with the diverse manifestations of regressed ROP.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Low Birth Weight
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Microsurgery / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Myopia / etiology
  • Retinal Detachment / etiology*
  • Retinal Detachment / surgery
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / complications*
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / physiopathology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Scleral Buckling
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Visual Acuity
  • Vitrectomy