Ocular growth pattern in cryotherapy- and laser-treated infants with prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity.

PURPOSE: To study the ocular growth pattern in cryotherapy- and laser-treated prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and its effect on scleral rigidity.

METHODS

In a prospective study, axial length, anterior chamber depth, and scleral rigidity were assessed in 12 eyes with no ROP, 12 eyes with spontaneously regressed ROP, 12 eyes with cryotherapy-treated prethreshold ROP, and 14 eyes with diode laser-treated prethreshold ROP at 36 weeks, 40 weeks, and 52 weeks postconceptional age.

RESULTS

Cryotherapy- and laser-treated ROP eyes at prethreshold stage exhibited shorter axial lengths and shallower anterior chamber depth compared to eyes with no ROP or spontaneously regressed ROP. Scleral rigidity was not altered in ROP eyes including those that underwent cryotherapy or laser treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Growth of eyes with ROP is arrested including those treated with cryotherapy or laser at prethreshold stage. Cryotherapy or laser treatment has no weakening effect on the scleral coat.