Central retinal vein obstruction in a neonate occurring during laser photocoagulation treatment for retinopathy of prematurity.

A premature infant who developed central retinal vein obstruction in one eye during laser therapy for high-risk prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity is described. Systemic investigations were done to detect the cause of such an acute and unreported episode. Acquired deficiency of protein C levels was detected. Premature infants are at risk of thromboembolic episodes due to deranged hematological parameters. Acquired protein C deficiency possibly precipitated acute retinal vein occlusion during laser therapy in this infant. Intravitreal bevacizumab was used successfully to treat the episode of retinal venous occlusion. Retinal vein obstruction during laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity is reported for the first time.