Diode laser photocoagulation to the vascular retina for progressively advancing retinopathy of prematurity.

AIMS: To estimate the effectiveness of diode laser photocoagulation of the retina posterior to the ridge in eyes with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

METHODS

Diode laser photocoagulation was applied posterior to the fibrovascular ridge in stage 4a ROP in six eyes of four infants and in advancing stage 3+ in two eyes of one infant. Seven eyes had previously been unsuccessfully treated with diode laser photocoagulation anterior to the ridge.

RESULTS

Six eyes of four children had total regression, two eyes of two children had flat maculae with residual peripheral tractional detachment and maintained vision.

CONCLUSION

These preliminary results indicate that diode laser photocoagulation posterior to the ridge may be a useful treatment in late stage 3 and stage 4A ROP following failed laser treatment to the avascular retina in threshold stage 3 disease.