TREATMENT OF RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY WITH ARGON-LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION

Fifteen eyes of nine infants were treated for retinopathy of prematurity by confluent photocoagulation of the avascular retina using an argon laser indirect ophthalmoscope. All treated eyes presented at or beyond threshold of stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity with "plus" disease. Three treated eyes had retinopathy of prematurity in zone I. Early complete regression of extraretinal proliferation was seen in 13 eyes. At 6 Januarys' minimum follow-up, 11 (73%) of the treated eyes demonstrated a favorable outcome, while four eyes (27%) progressed to an unfavorable outcome. No intraocular hemorrhages occurred during any laser treatment.