Acquired cataracts after diode laser photocoagulation for threshold retinopathy of prematurity.

PURPOSE: To report the incidence of acquired cataract after diode laser photocoagulation for threshold retinopathy of prematurity at our institution.

DESIGN

Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred fifty-three infants (293 eyes) with threshold retinopathy of prematurity.

INTERVENTION: Transpupillary diode laser photocoagulation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Acquired cataract formation.

RESULTS

One cataract (0.003%) in 293 eyes occurred after transpupillary diode laser photocoagulation. This cataract consisted of peripheral cortical punctate lenticular opacities that were not progressive or visually significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of acquired cataract after transpupillary diode laser photocoagulation for threshold retinopathy of prematurity is low. Transpupillary diode laser photocoagulation may be safer than argon laser photocoagulation for treatment of threshold retinopathy of prematurity.