Clinical Approach and Anatomical Results in the Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity.

Background:  Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease associated with abnormal development of retinal vessels in low birth weight and preterm infants. In this study, it was aimed to show that the disease can be controlled almost perfectly with early diagnosis and treatment in retinopathy developing in premature babies.

Methods:  In the study, 66 eyes of 33 patients who needed ROP treatment were evaluated. Babies who met the screening criteria were examined for the first time 3-4 weeks after birth. In the treatment of patients who underwent laser photocoagulation and intravitreal injection, the stage of the disease plus the regression of the disease in the laser group and completion of retinal vascularization in the intravitreal injection group were determined as success criteria.

Results:  Laser photocoagulation (LFC) was applied to 54 eyes, intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) was applied to 8 eyes, and bilateral LFC+IVB was applied to 2 patients in the same session. Since there was no complete regression in the stage of the 2 patients who underwent LFC, an IVB injection was made into one eye of a patient and both eyes of the other patient. After the treatments, the disease regressed and retinal macular traction did not occur.

Conclusion:  It has been indicated that timely intervention in patients with treatment indications after regular screening for ROP can prevent possible blindness.