Vision development over an extended follow-up period in babies after successful vitrectomy for stage 4b retinopathy of prematurity.

PURPOSE/

BACKGROUND

To demonstrate improvement in the vision of babies after successful vitrectomy for stage 4b retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) over an extended period of time.

METHODS

This was an observational prospective case series. Eight babies who had undergone successful vitrectomy in either their only seeing eye (or both eyes) with stage 4b ROP were followed up post-operatively for a period of 80 weeks or more. Vision with Teller acuity chart, refraction, binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, and documentation with RetCam was done at each visit. Vision of the (only/better) seeing operated eye with corrective glasses was graded for the purpose of statistical evaluation. Paired t test was performed to compare the vision prior to 30 weeks and at or after 80 weeks.

RESULTS

Statistically significant improvement in vision was noted at or after 80 weeks as compared to the vision recorded before 30 weeks (p = 0.0062).

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike in adult intraocular surgeries where stable visual acuity is reached well before 30 weeks, continuing improvement at 80 weeks and beyond is noted. Gradual restoration of the retinal architecture and plasticity of the infant's developing brain are thought to be responsible.