Transscleral Diode Laser Photocoagulation for Retinopathy of Prematurity: Five Years' Experience

PURPOSES: We analysed the five-year outcomes and associated complications of transscleral diode laser photocoagulation (TSDLP), used to treat acute proliferative retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this therapy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the records of 163 eyes of 82 infants with acute ROP, who were treated with TSDLP by a single surgeon. Follow-up periods ranged from 15 to 278 weeks. RESULTS: The outcome was favorable in 158 eyes (96.9%) and unfavorable in 5 eyes (3.1%) of the 163 eyes that were treated. Vitreous hemorrhage was found to be an indicator of poor prognosis. Of the complications noted, symblepharon was observed in three eyes, hyphema was observed in four eyes, and a complicated cataract was observed in one eye. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that TSDLP is a safe and effective in the treatment of ROP. Vitreous hemorrhage should be regarded as a sign of poor prognosis.

A Comparison of Cryotherapy Versus Transscleral Diode Laser Photocoagulation for the Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity

PURPOSE: To determine whether transscleral diode laser photocoagulation is as effective as cryotherapy for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: Thirty-six eyes of 18 infants with acute ROP were treated with cryotherapy and 32 eyes of another 16 infants with acute ROP were treated with transscleral diode laser photocoagulation. RESULTS: The transscleral diode laser photocoagulation group had 94% favorable outcome, whereas the cryotherapy group had 78% favorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that transscleral diode laser photocoagulation is as effective as cryotherapy for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity.