Late onset vitreoretinal complications of regressed retinopathy of prematurity

• Published in: British journal of ophthalmology 2004-02, Vol.88 (2), p.243-246
• Main Authors: Tufail, A, Singh, A J, Haynes, R J, Dodd, C R, McLeod, D, Charteris, D G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Associated diseases and complications; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Clinical Science - Extended Reports; Diabetes. Impaired glucose tolerance; Endocrine pancreas. Apud cells (diseases); Endocrinopathies; Eye diseases; Follow-Up Studies; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; lattice degeneration; Medical sciences; Microsurgery - methods; Middle Aged; Myopia - etiology; Ophthalmology; retinal detachment; Retinal Detachment - etiology; Retinal Detachment - surgery; Retinopathies; retinopathy of prematurity; Retinopathy of Prematurity - complications; Retinopathy of Prematurity - physiopathology; Retrospective Studies; Scleral Buckling; Treatment Outcome; Visual Acuity; Vitrectomy
• ISSN: 0007-1161; 1468-2079
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2003.022962

Aim: To report the clinical findings, management, and outcomes in eyes undergoing surgery for regressed retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with vitreoretinal complications. Method: Retrospective review of 40 eyes of 32 patients with regressed ROP who presented between 1989 and 2001 at two UK referral centres. Results: Of 29 eyes presenting with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), 15 initially underwent a scleral buckling procedure and 14 initially underwent vitrectomy with or without additional buckling. Primary surgery was anatomically successful in 11/15 eyes that underwent a non-vitrectomy retinal detachment repair and 8/14 that required vitrectomy. The final reattachment rate after reoperation was 28/29 eyes. Median visual acuity improved from 6/60 to 6/36 following retinal detachment repair. A further 11 eyes of eight patients from this series underwent prophylactic surgery, laser, or cryotherapy for predisposing vitreoretinal pathology and/or retinal breaks, all of which were stabilised. Conclusions: In eyes with RRD and signs of regressed ROP successful reattachment of the retina can be achieved using either vitrectomy or external surgery with an associated overall improvement in visual acuity. A range of external and closed microsurgical approaches is required to effectively deal with the diverse manifestations of regressed ROP.