Effect of Partial Ablation of Dense Diode Laser for Threshold Retinopathy of Prematurity

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of partial ablation using dense indirect laser photocoagulation with diode for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: Twenty eyes of 10 premature babies with birth weight 1250 g or less and threshold ROP were treated. Diode laser photocoagulation were applied without scleral depression to the partial avascular retina in front of extravascular fibrovascular proliferation (EFP). The mean follow up period is 16.1 months. RESULTS: There was no retinal detachment, macular dragging, or other complication during follow up period. No premature babies have undergone reoperation due to the progression of disease. CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference between the effect of a dense pattern of diode laser to the partial avascular retina in front of EFP and the standard treatment to the whole avascular retina.