Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers

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Volume 32 (1) * January/February 2001 * Case Report (abstract)

Diode Laser Photocoagulation for Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Histopathologic Study

Paul Park, MD; Ralph C. Eagle Jr, MD; William S. Tasman, MD

ABSTRACT

Laser photocoagulation has largely supplanted cryotherapy as an effective treatment for retinopathy of prematurity. This case describes the ocular histopathologic findings of a pair of eyes in a severely premature male infant treated with diode laser photocoagulation for bilateral stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) for 360° in zone 1 with severe plus disease. The right eye responded to treatment; the left eye developed persistent vitreous hemorrhage and total retinal detachment. The histopathologic examination of laser burns in the right eye disclosed segmental areas of chorioretinal scarring with retinal atrophy and gliosis, loss of RPE and extensive atrophy of the choroid and its vasculature, which involved both the choriocapillaris and larger vessels. The left eye had iris neovascularization, a chronic organized vitreous hemorrhage and a totally detached retina. The histopathologic findings in an eye of a premature infant with threshold ROP treated with diode laser photocoagulation resembled those reported after transsceral cryotherapy. Diode laser photocoagulation may produce less severe chorioretinal damage. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 2001;32:63-66].

AUTHORS

From the Retina Service (PP, WST) and the Department of Pathology (RCE), Wills Eye Hospital and Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Accepted for publication July 17, 2000.

Supported in part by Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc., New York, NY and the The Noel T. and Sara L. Simmonds Endowment for Ophthalmic Pathology, Wills Eye Hospital.

Address reprint requests to William S. Tasman, MD, Retina Service, Wills Eye Hospital, 900 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

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