Transscleral Diode Laser Photocoagulation for Retinopathy of Prematurity: Short-term Structural Outcome

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We observed the short-term outcome and associated complications of transscleral diode laser photocoagulation (TSDL) for acute proliferative retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) to evaluate the efficacy and safety. METHODS: 20 eyes of 10 infants with acute ROP were treated with transscleral diode laser photo-coagulation through conjunctiva by a single surgeon. Anatomical results and postoperative complications were main outcomes. Follow-up ranged from 11 to 40 weeks. RESULTS: In 1 eye (5%), there was a macular temporal dragging. In 19 eyes (95%), regression occurred after a single laser treatment with a flat retina. No significant anterior or posterior segment complications were occurred, even though there was a small amount of preretinal hemorrhage in 1 eye after laser photocoagulation. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that transscleral diode laser photocoagulation is a safe and effective alternative to cryotherapy or transpupillary diode laser photocoagulation in the treatment of ROP.