Prevalence of myopia at 9 months in infants with high-risk prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity in India - what can we learn from the polio legacy?

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative disease of the preterm retina that has the potential to cause vision impairment and blindness. Timely screening and treatment are hence critical for infants at risk for ROP. Screening for ROP is challenging in India owing to the limited resources, a vast at-risk population and lack of awareness among paediatricians and the public. Addressing ROP in India requires a comprehensive approach involving multiple sectors, considering the magnitude of the problem and the expected increase in need for ROP services due to the increased survival of preterm infants following improvements in neonatal care. The success of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) offers valuable lessons for improving ROP services in developing nations by applying its strategies. An approach for primary and secondary prevention of ROP is proposed, and the current challenges and a neonatal-led care model for ROP are discussed.

Ocular and developmental outcomes of a dosing study of bevacizumab for retinopathy of prematurity

PURPOSE

To report 2-year ocular and developmental outcomes for infants receiving low doses of intravitreal bevacizumab for type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

METHODS

A total of 120 premature infants (mean birthweight, 687 g; mean gestational age, 24.8 weeks) with type 1 ROP were enrolled in a multicenter, phase 1 dose de-escalation study. One eye per infant received 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.063 mg, 0.031 mg, 0.016 mg, 0.008 mg, 0.004 mg, or 0.002 mg of intravitreal bevacizumab; fellow eyes when treated received one dosage level higher. At 2 years, 70 of 120 children (58%) underwent ocular examinations; 51 (43%) were assessed using the Bayley Scale of Infant and Toddler Development.

RESULTS

Correlation coefficients for the association of total dosage of bevacizumab with Bayley subscales were -0.20 for cognitive (95% CI, -0.45 to 0.08), -0.15 for motor (95% CI, -0.41 to 0.14), and -0.19 for language (95% CI, -0.44 to 0.10). Fourteen children (21%) had myopia greater than -5.00 D in one or both eyes, 7 (10%) had optic nerve atrophy and/or cupping, 20 (29%) had strabismus, 8 (11%) had manifest nystagmus, and 9 (13%) had amblyopia.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study cohort, there was no statistically significant correlation between dosage of bevacizumab and Bayley scores at 2 years. However, the sample size was small and the retention rate relatively low, limiting our conclusions. Rates of high myopia and ocular abnormalities do not differ from those reported after larger bevacizumab doses.

Refractive Changes among Diode Laser-treated Retinopathy of Prematurity Patients: A Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the refractive outcomes of patients who underwent indirect laser photocoagulation for prethreshold type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and high-risk type 2 prethreshold ROP in comparison to conservatively managed low-risk prethreshold type 2 ROP.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was carried out on infants screened for ROP between the years 2015 and 2020. Surviving children who had developed ROP in one or both eyes and received diode laser photocoagulation and those with conservatively managed regressed type 2 ROP who underwent at least one cycloplegic retinoscopy were included in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 144 patients were screened for ROP between 2015 and 2020 at our institution. One hundred and thirty patients (260 eyes) fulfilled the study criteria and were included in this study. The treated group consisted of 132 eyes of 66 infants, of which 38 (14.6%) eyes had prethreshold type 1 ROP while 94 (36.2%) eyes had high-risk prethreshold type 2. The nontreated control group consisted of 128 (49.2%) eyes of 64 infants with low-risk type 2 prethreshold ROP. Earlier prematurity was found to be a significant determinant of the mean change in spherical equivalent among different gestational age groups (P = 0.035). In our cohort, we found that myopia is significantly related to Zone II ROP in comparison to Zone III ROP in the treated eyes (22% vs. 9%) (P = 0.002). No statistically significant difference was found in the final refraction among the treated eyes in relation to the birth weight or stage of prematurity.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, the majority of patients who were treated with diode laser for ROP had favorable anatomical and refractive outcomes. In contrast to previous studies that had suggested a trend toward myopia in laser-treated patients, in our study, the majority (71%) were hyperopes. This study suggests that other factors such as the stage and zone of ROP possibly contribute more to the development of myopia than the laser photocoagulation itself.

Refractive status, biometric components, and functional outcomes of patients with threshold retinopathy of prematurity: systemic review and a 17-year longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long-term refractive status, visual outcome, astigmatism, and the change in biometric optic components in older adolescents up to age 17 years with threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) treated with diode laser.

METHODS

A retrospective, longitudinal study in which cycloplegic refraction, keratometry, and the biometric measurement of optic components were performed on 28 consecutive preterm eyes with laser-treated threshold ROP at age 17 years. The study results were statistically analysed and compared with age-matched full-term control.

RESULTS

All patients with ROP had myopia (average spherical equivalent of - 6.35 D, ranges from - 1.25 to - 12.38 D), and 12 eyes (43%) were highly myopic (spherical equivalent <  - 6.0 D). Threshold ROP eyes exhibited a significantly poorer visual acuity (P < 0.001), greater cylinder refractive error (P < 0.001), higher corneal astigmatism (P < 0.001), and flatter horizontal corneal curvature (P = 0.01) compared with age-matched controls. Biometric optic components analysis revealed a significant shallower anterior chamber depth (P < 0.001), thicker lens (P < 0.001), and shorter axial length (P = 0.021) in laser-treated ROP eyes compared with age-matched controls.

CONCLUSIONS

In this 17-year longitudinal study, a higher prevalence of myopia and astigmatism was observed in laser-treated threshold ROP eyes compared with age-matched control eyes. Myopia and astigmatism in laser-treated ROP eyes typically progress through adolescence after school age. Therefore, we recommend that preterm patients with laser-treated threshold ROP should attend regular follow-up not only for refractive status but also for structural change of anterior segment until their adolescence.

Structural and refractive outcomes of intravitreal ranibizumab followed by laser photocoagulation for type 1 retinopathy of prematurity

PURPOSE

To evaluate refractive and structural outcomes for patients treated for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agent ranibizumab and "delayed laser," defined as any laser photocoagulation treatment administered at least 2 weeks and <1 year after the initial anti-VEGF injection.

METHODS

The medical records of infants with type 1 ROP treated between 2015 and 2020 with intravitreal 0.25 mg ranibizumab followed by delayed laser photocoagulation, with a minimum of 6 months' follow-up, were reviewed retrospectively. Refractive and structural outcomes were extracted from the record.

RESULTS

A total of 68 eyes of 34 neonates were included, with median gestational age of 24 weeks and birthweight of 657 g. Patients were aged 0.9 to 4.4 years at last follow-up; mean follow-up interval was 2.7 ± 1.02 years. There was no progression to stage 4 or 5 following treatment during the study period. At 2 years' follow-up (mean age, 2.41 ± 0.23 years), median spherical equivalent (SE) was -0.13 D (IQR, 4.20 D). At most recent examination (mean age, 2.70 ± 1.02 years), the most common ocular findings included strabismus (32%), optic atrophy (24%), amblyopia (21%), high myopia (7%), and nystagmus (4%).

CONCLUSIONS

In our small cohort, neonates with type 1 ROP treated with intravitreal ranibizumab and delayed laser demonstrated good structural outcomes, with no progression to retinal detachment. We found lower rates of high myopia compared with previous reports of laser photocoagulation monotherapy.

Refractive outcomes following unilateral laser treatment for type 1 retinopathy of prematurity

PURPOSE

To compare refractive outcomes of infants with type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in whom one eye was treated with laser and the fellow eye spontaneously regressed.

METHODS

The medical records of infants who underwent IVB and laser treatment for type 1 ROP or aggressive posterior-ROP between January 2016 and December 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Infants in whom ROP in the fellow eye regressed and for whom refractive data was available in the record were included in the study. Refractive outcomes of unilaterally treated infants were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 283 cases were reviewed: of these, 17 experienced spontaneous regression in the fellow eye and were included. All unilateral laser-treated eyes had type 1 ROP in zone Ⅱ. The median age at treatment was 40 weeks' postmenstrual age (IQR, 39-41). The mean spherical equivalent at the last examination was 2.1 ± 2.5 D in treated eyes and 2.50 ± 1.4 D in nontreated eyes, at a mean age of 25.0 ± 9.1 months (P = 0.378). Of the 7 infants who underwent fluorescein angiography, the median of the ratio of the length of the temporal retinal vascularization to the optic disk-to-fovea distance was 3.71 (3.22-3.79) in treated and 4.28 (3.90-4.49) in untreated eyes, at a median age of 18 months (P = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

In laser-treated eyes with peripheral zone Ⅱ ROP and with advanced treatment age, we did not observe a significant myopic change compared to the fellow untreated eye.

Development of myopia in laser-treated ROP infants: prematurity or laser photocoagulation?

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship between the development of corrected 1-year-old refraction values and risk factors in preterm infants who underwent laser photocoagulation (LPC) therapy for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

METHODS

The ophthalmic examination findings of preterm neonates who had developed Type I ROP and received LPC therapy were evaluated retrospectively. The association between spherical equivalent (SE) values and clinical findings were analyzed by using multivariable linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

The study included 157 eyes of 80 neonates with a mean birth week of 27.1 ± 2.2 weeks (23 to 32 weeks) and a mean birth weight of 995 ± 273 g (565 to 1760 g). The treatments were administered on an average of 36.8 ± 2.7 (32 to 45 weeks) postmenstrual age. LPC treatment was applied bilaterally to 77 of the 80 neonates included in the study, and unilaterally to 3 of them. The mean ± standard deviation of the SE value was 0.31 ± 1.89 diopters (D) (- 8.00 to 4.63 D) according to the results of the 1-year corrected age refraction examination. In univariate analysis, no significant association between GA, BW, and ROP zone and SE value, while the number of laser spots (ß =  - 0.27 ± 0.00 D, p = 0.00) and stage 3 ROP (ß =  - 0.29 ± 0.37 D, p = 0.00) were significantly associated with the SE value. In multivariable linear regression analysis, a significant association between number of laser spot, stage 3 ROP and SE value (ß =  - 0.25 ± 0.00 D, p = 0.01 for number of laser spot, ß =  - 0.28 ± 0.36 D, p = 0.00 for stage 3 ROP).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study supports that stage of ROP and the number of laser spots count applied in photocoagulation treatment for ROP is significantly correlated with degree of myopia (p < 0.05).

Factors associated with refractive outcome in children treated with bevacizumab for retinopathy of prematurity: the importance of retinal vascularization

PURPOSE

To evaluate the factors that may be associated with refractive outcome in eyes treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

METHODS

Retrospective case series. Refractive outcomes of 181 infants who were treated with primary IVB for Type I ROP or aggressive ROP, were retrospectively evaluated. According to the pretreatment retinal vascularization, eyes were classified into zone I, zone I-zone II, and zone II groups. The first year, third year, and final refractive error were analyzed. Univariate logistic regression test was performed to evaluate the effect of factors on the development of ≥ 1 diopter (D) myopia.

RESULTS

At the final examination, the mean age was 22.9 ± 10.9 months. The zone II group was more hyperopic than the zone I-zone II and zone I zone groups (P = 0.001). Of the 331 eyes, 17 eyes (5.1%) had high myopia, 50 eyes (15.1%) had low myopia, and 83 eyes (25.1%) had emmetropia. During follow-up, 110 (33.2%) eyes underwent laser treatment. Gestational age, birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit type, the presence of additional laser treatment, number of injections, the type of ROP, and the dose of IVB were not associated with the development of ≥ 1 D myopia. The pretreatment and prelaser retinal zones were associated with the development of ≥ 1 D myopia.

CONCLUSION

The most important factors affecting the refractive outcome in infants who underwent primary IVB treatment was the extent of pretreatment and prelaser retinal vascularization.

Refractive Error Profile of Preterm Infants at 1-Year Follow-up in a Tertiary Care Hospital

PURPOSE

To study the refractive outcome in preterm infants with and without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in a tertiary care hospital in North India.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted on 300 consecutive premature infants with a birth weight of 2 kg or less and a gestational age of 34 weeks or less at birth. The infants were divided into three groups (no ROP, spontaneously regressed ROP, and laser-treated ROP) and were followed up at 1 year of age to assess the presence and type of refractive error in each group.

RESULTS

The refractive error data were available for 277 neonates (554 eyes). On cycloplegic retinoscopy at 1 year of follow-up, the incidence of myopia was 12.29%, 29.55%, and 48.83% in all three groups, respectively, being most common in the laser-treated group, and the values were statistically significant (P < .05). Moreover, high myopia was most prevalent in the laser-treated group (23.25%). A correlation between birth weight and gestational age with spherical equivalent showed that a low birth weight and a low gestational age are more commonly found in infants with a more negative spherical equivalent.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants with laser-treated ROP have a higher incidence of myopia than those with spontaneously regressed ROP or no ROP. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2022;59(3):151-155.].

Risk factors for early-onset high myopia after treatment for retinopathy of prematurity

PURPOSE

To investigate the prevalence of myopia and high myopia and the risk factors for high myopia in infants at 3 years of age with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective, observational.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed all 89 preterm infants (178 eyes) with medical records of ROP between October 2008 and March 2018 at Toho University Medical Center Omori Hospital; these infants had a birth weight of less than 1,500 g and were followed up at least until 3 years of age. Cycloplegic autorefraction was performed to measure refractive outcomes. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for early-onset high myopia at 3 years of age.

RESULTS

The prevalence of myopia and high myopia was significantly higher in the treated group (59.7% and 17.9%, respectively) than in the untreated group (19.7% and 0%, respectively) (p<0.001). Spherical equivalent (SE) at age 3 was more myopic in the treatment group (-1.72 ± 3.53 D) than in the untreated group (0.54 ± 1.08 D) (p<0.001). In the sub-analysis of the treatment group, there was a significant correlation between SE at age 3 and the number of laser shots (R² = 0.36, p<0.001). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the number of laser shots was an independent risk factor for early onset high myopia (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The number of laser shots is an independent risk factor for early onset high myopia, and preterm infants who have undergone laser treatment for severe ROP should be considered for early optical correction with cycloplegic refractive examination.

Evaluation of the Effect of Different Treatment Management on Refractive Outcomes in Severe Retinopathy of Prematurity

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of different treatment modalities on refractive outcomes in patients treated with severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods

The records of children who were treated for severe ROP in our clinic between January 2015 and August 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The children who were treated were analyzed in three subgroups as intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), laser photocoagulation (LPC), and IVB + LPC. Spherical equivalent (SEQ), spherical and cylindrical power measurements of the cases were recorded in diopters (D). SE ≤-0.25D was accepted as myopia and SE of more than 1 D between two eyes was accepted as anisometropia.

Results

A total of 160 eyes of 80 participants were eligible for inclusion: 38 eyes in the IVB group, 24 eyes in the LPC group, 16 eyes in the IVB + LPC group, 44 eyes in the spontaneously regressed group, and 38 eyes in the full-term children. Although the mean spherical power and SEQ in the IVB group were lower than in the LPC group (p=0.019 and 0.013, respectively), there was no significant difference between the IVB group and the IVB + LPC group (p=0.541 and 0.804, respectively). In terms of mean cylindrical power and prevalence of myopia and anisometropia, there was no significant difference between the treatment groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Although spherical power and SEQ can change according to the ROP treatment management, there is no difference in terms of the cylindrical power, prevalence of myopia, and anisometropia. The most important risk factor for myopia and anisometropia in premature children may be ROP severity and retinal immaturity.

Risk factors for myopia at 1-year corrected age following laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The prevalence of myopia is higher in preterm infants who underwent laser photocoagulation (LPC) for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with myopia in preterm infants who undergo LPC for ROP.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the medical records of preterm infants born at Kyushu University Hospital (October 2008-March 2018) at ≤32 weeks of gestational age or with birth weight ≤1500 g. We evaluated the associations between nine clinical factors and the spherical equivalent at 1-year corrected age by performing multivariable linear regression in LPC-treated ROP patients.

RESULTS

Among the 485 infants enroled, 76 developed ROP requiring treatment. Of these, 71 underwent LPC, which was provided to 63 infants as the primary treatment (LPC alone or the combination therapy of LPC and intravitreal injection of bevacizumab [IVB]) and to eight infants as additional LPC after IVB monotherapy. The results of a refractive examination at 1-year corrected age were available for 110 eyes of 56 infants (78.9%). The mean ± standard deviation of the SE value was -0.5 ± 3.0 dioptres (D). Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between laser spot count and SE value (ß = -0.081 ± 0.040 D per 100 spots [mean ± standard error], p = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that an increased laser spot count observed during ROP treatment associates with myopia.

Refractive outcome of intravitreal bevacizumab injection in comparison to spontaneous regression of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

Purpose: To assess refractive errors in preterm infants following intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and to compare it with premature babies with spontaneous regressed ROP.Materials and Methods: Eighty seven premature infants were included in this study, comprising group1: 38 infants who underwent IVB monotherapy, and group2: 49 infants with spontaneously regressed ROP. Cycloplegic refraction was performed for all infants at 1-year adjusted age and the refractive outcome was compared between the groups.Results: At 1- year adjusted age, the mean SEQ value was not significantly different between group 1 and 2 (p = .646). Four eyes (10.5%) in group1 and 4 eyes (8.2%) in group 2 were myopic. Also, refractive anisometropia was found in 9 infants (23.7%) from group1 and 5 infants (10.2%) in groups 2, which was not significantly different between groups (χ² (1, n = 87) = 2.87, p = .081). At the time of follow up, none of our cases were strabismic. After making an adjustment for gestational age and birth weight in a logistic regression model, mean SEQ was not significantly different between two groups (p = .61)Conclusion: At adjusted 1 year of age, refractive outcomes were not significantly different between premature infants who underwent IVB injection and the infants with spontaneous regression of ROP. Further studies with longer duration are warranted to elucidate the effects of IVB on the emmetropization process. Biometry assessments would be helpful in this regard.

Refractive, sensory, and biometric outcome among retinopathy of prematurity children with a history of laser therapy: A retrospective review from a tertiary care center in South India

Purpose

Ocular morbidities like high refractive error, strabismus, and amblyopia are common among laser-treated retinopathy of prematurity children (ROP). Long-term optical status and refractive outcomes including the sensory outcomes were less investigated in these children from this region. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the long-term outcome (refractive, biometric profile, sensory) of treatment for ROP using laser.

Methods

This study is a retrospective, cross-sectional, observational, and intervention research among 6-15-year-old children who underwent laser for ROP with a minimum of 6-year follow-up.

Results

Eighty lasered eyes of 41 children were assessed. Mean age was 9.71 years (±3.39). Seventy-three eyes (91.2%) achieved visual acuity better than 20/40. The mean visual acuity in LogMAR was 0.18 (20/30). The mean spherical equivalence was -5.29 D ± 4.9. Mean astigmatism measured was -1.53 DC (range: +0.50 DC to -4.5DC). Fifty-three eyes (66.25%) had significant astigmatism. The mean axial length was 23.5 ± 1.35 (21-26) mm. Mean lens thickness was 3.76 ± 0.30 (3.03-4.34) mm. Correlation analysis among the low and high spherical equivalent group signified that axial length (P value = 0.001), visual acuity (P value = 0.0002), and myopic shift (P value = 0.0006) were found to be statistically significant. Stereopsis better than 480 s of arc for near was observed in 41% children. Structural posterior pole sequelae developed in 3 eyes (3.75%).

Conclusion

A significant number of children with high myopia, astigmatism, and strabismus had satisfactory visual outcome observed at long-term follow-up after treatment for ROP using laser. Our study revealed that myopia was influenced by an increase in axial length than the lens thickness.

Factors That Influence Refractive Changes in the First Year of Myopia Development in Premature Infants

Purpose

To study the development of refractive status from 36 weeks to one year of postmenstrual age and to identify factors that contribute to development of myopia, including gender, birth weight, gestational age, and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods

Premature infants underwent full cycloplegic retinoscopy at 36 weeks, 38 weeks, 40 weeks, 42 weeks, 44 weeks, 46 weeks, 48 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months of postmenstrual age. The infants were grouped by gender, birth weight, gestational age, and the severity of ROP to evaluate the correlation with refractive status at each postmenstrual age.

Results

A total of 942 infants were recruited in this study. A total of 2716 readings were obtained. Refractive state had a hyperopic shift until 46 weeks of postmenstrual age (r = 0.42, P < 0.0001). After that, the mean spherical equivalent (SE) gradually declined (r = -0.30, P < 0.0001). Boys had lower hyperopia than girls at nine months (t = 3.10, P=0.003) and one year (t = 3.34, P=0.001) of postmenstrual age. Premature infants with ROP had a lower average SE at most of the postmenstrual ages; however, this value did not vary significantly (P > 0.05). Premature infants with severe ROP were less hyperopic than those without it at every postmenstrual age, and the average SE differed significantly at one year of postmenstrual age (t = 2.60, P=0.011). There was no significant difference between each birth weight and gestational age (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The dioptric value of premature infants within one year was generally hyperopic. Different gender, birth weight, gestational age, and ROP did not affect the overall development of refractive status. Females may have higher hyperopia at nine months of postmenstrual age. Birth weight and gestational age had little effect on change of refractive status. Severe ROP was an important contributing factor in myopia progression, which may be related to the treatment required. Further study may be carried out to understand the mechanism behind myopia progression in premature infants, including changes in refractive system parameters and emmetropization process.

Posterior laser barrage in advancing retinopathy of prematurity: A prospective randomized study

Purpose

To compare the outcomes of conventional laser photocoagulation versus additional posterior barrage laser in advanced stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods

A total of 20 infants with bilateral symmetric zone 2 stage 3 advancing ROP were treated with conventional laser treatment followed by randomization of one eye to receive additional posterior retinal laser treatment. Disc-fovea and inter-arcade distance was measured. The patients were followed up prospectively for 3 months. Structural and functional outcomes and safety profile were analyzed.

Results

18/20 (90%) eyes in the study group and 19/20 (95%) eyes in the control group achieved regression of disease. Faster and complete regression was observed at 4 weeks after posterior laser compared to the control group (P = 0.024). Disc-fovea and inter-arcade distance was comparable in both groups.

Conclusion

Additional posterior barrage laser is a safe technique that led to faster and more complete regression in eyes with advancing ROP. Final regression profile was comparable in both treatment modalities.

Ocular outcomes and comorbidities in preterm infants enrolled for retinopathy of prematurity screening: A cohort study from western India

BACKGROUND

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is emerging as an important cause of childhood blindness in middle-income countries such as India. Although blindness can be prevented in most cases with timely screening and treatment, certain ocular comorbidities can lead to visual impairment. We evaluated and compared 1-year visual, refractive, and structural outcomes and comorbidities in three subsets of preterm infants enrolled for screening of ROP.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Preterm children enrolled in the hospital's ROP screening program and with diagnosis of no ROP, mild ROP, or severe ROP were followed at 1 year of age to evaluate and compare visual, refractive, and structural outcomes as well as the presence of ocular comorbidities. Risk of poor outcome was calculated in children with mild and severe ROP reference population being children without ROP.

RESULTS

Eyes with severe ROP were at highest risk of poor visual (risk ratio [RR]: 3.5, P < 0.001), refractive (RR: 45, P < 0.001), and structural (RR: 11, P = 0.006) outcome as well as ocular comorbidities (RR 11, P < 0.001). Eyes with mild ROP were at higher risk of myopia (RR: 11, P = 0.06) and ocular comorbidities (RR: 4, P = 0.04). Sixteen (16%) of the eyes without ROP developed poor visual outcome.

CONCLUSION

Eyes with severe ROP are at highest risk of poor ocular outcomes and comorbidities and need a long-term follow-up. Eyes which do not develop ROP can have poor visual outcome and need to be assessed within the 1^st year of life.

One-year visual outcomes after laser for Type 1 prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity among very low birth weight neonates at a tertiary center in western India - A prospective cohort study

Objective: To evaluate the visual outcomes after laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) among very-low-birth-weight neonates at 1-year corrected age in population of western India.Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 35 neonates received laser treatment for type 1 prethreshold ROP. Structural and refractive status were assessed at 1-year corrected age in these neonates.Results: Total 32 neonates (64 eyes) were followed-up at the age of 1 year. The mean gestational age and birth weight were 27.6 weeks and 900 g, respectively. All 64 eyes reported favorable structural outcome. The mean refractive error was -1.82 D (range: -11 to +4 D). Prevalence of myopia was 62.5% [43.8% low myopia; 18.8% high myopia]. Eight eyes (12.5%) had insignificant hyperopia.Conclusion: We concluded that timely and adequate screening of eyes of preterm neonates followed by early and appropriate laser treatment improves the later visual outcomes. High refractive error is common and may be the cause of visual impairment.

Retinopathy of prematurity in the United Kingdom: retreatment rates, visual and structural 1-year outcomes

AIMS

To evaluate retreatment rates, visual and anatomical outcomes at 1-year postnatal age in infants treated for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) METHODS: Longitudinal national surveillance study of infants treated for ROP in the United Kingdom between December 2013 and December 2014, supported by the British Ophthalmic Surveillance Unit. Here we report retreatment rates, anatomical, visual and refractive outcomes at 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

One-year follow-up forms were completed for 168 children of the original cohort of 327 (51.4%). Twenty-two had at least one retreatment: 17/153 right eyes (REs, 11.1%) after initial diode laser, and 5/14 REs (35.7%) after initial injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody. Median (interquartile range) RE best-corrected visual acuity was 0.6 (0.4-1.0) (n = 46 REs), and median acuity both eyes open 0.4 (0.3-0.7) logMAR (n = 89). Median spherical equivalent (RE) was 0.44 (-1.3 to 1.3) dioptre (D) (n = 116). Median astigmatism (RE) was 0.5 (0-1.0) D (n = 111), and median anisometropia 0.125 (0-0.75) D (n = 116). Twenty-four children (20.5%) had been prescribed glasses. Sight impairment certification eligibility information was available for 131 children: 11 (8.4%) were eligible to be certified as sight impaired, and 5 (3.8%) as severely sight impaired.

CONCLUSIONS

Retreatment rates are in line with previous reports, and appear higher after initial anti-VEGF antibody than after initial diode laser. Refractive outcomes are in line with previous studies, with a trend towards early emmetropia and myopia following diode laser, particularly in more severe ROP.

Refractive and ocular biometric profile of children with a history of laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity

PURPOSE

Indian children belong to a diverse socioeconomic strata with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) developing in mature, higher birth weight babies as well. The purpose of our study is to analyze the long-term status of refractive errors and its relationship with ocular biometry in children with ROP who were laser treated at a tertiary center in North India.

METHODS

Cross sectional study. Children (<16 years) enrolled from January 2014 to December 2014 with a history of laser treatment for ROP and examined for refractive and biometric status.

RESULTS

Thirty-six children presenting to us at the mean age of 7.37 ± 3.07 years (6-15 years) were included. Mean spherical equivalent (SE) was -4.05 D ± 5.10. 75% were myopic, with high astigmatism in 31%. Higher lens thickness (P = 0.03) and higher SE (P = 0.002) at 1 year postnatal age were predictors of larger SE. 79.4% achieved a favorable functional outcome (visual acuity ≥20/40). 5.88% achieved unsatisfactory outcome (<20/200) despite having a favorable structural outcome.

CONCLUSION

There are a substantial number of children who develop myopia and high astigmatism while undergoing laser treatment for ROP. We found myopia in our cohort to be lenticular and greater axial length contributing to the development of high myopia. An initial large refractive error predicts the future development of myopia in these children. Nearly 6% of patients with good structural outcome have unexplained subnormal vision. Our threshold for prescribing glasses in these children should be low.

Refractive state and optical compositions of preterm children with and without retinopathy of prematurity in the first 6 years of life

This study aimed to investigate the refractive state and optical compositions of preterm children with and without mild retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and explore the influence of prematurity and mild ROP on the development of refractive state and optical compositions.Preterm children who received fundus screening were recruited, and divided into ROP group and non-ROP group. Term children matched in age were also recruited as controls. Several correspondence indicators were measured before and after ciliary muscle paralysis with 1% cyclopentanone.A total of 250 eyes from 126 patients were included for analysis. The incidence of myopia was the highest in ROP group. The incidence of hyperopia was the highest in control group. The incidence of astigmatism was the highest in ROP group. The corneal astigmatism and mean astigmatism in ROP group and non-ROP group were significantly higher than in control group. Corneal refraction in ROP was markedly higher than in non-ROP group and control group; corneal curvature in ROP group increased significantly as compared with non-ROP group and control group (P < .05). The axial eye length in ROP group and non-ROP group reduced significantly as compared with control group (P < .05). Gestational age had negative relationships with corneal astigmatism (P = .019) and astigmatism (P = .001) and positive relationship with axial eye length (P = .005). Birth weight had negative relationships with corneal astigmatism (P = .001), astigmatism (P < .001), corneal refraction (P = .001), and corneal curvature (P = .001) and positive relationships with axial eye length (P = .001) and spherical equivalent refraction (P = .039). The incidence of myopia increased and that of hyperopia reduced in children over age. In children aged 3 to 4 years, the anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous thickness, and axial eye length significantly increased as compared with those aged 5 years (P < .05); the vitreous thickness and axial eye length in children aged 5 years increased significantly as compared with those aged 6 years (P < .05).This study shows that preterm children with and without mild ROP are more likely to develop myopia and astigmatism, and low birth weight, prematurity, and ROP may simultaneously affect the development of optical compositions, leading to myopia and astigmatism.

Long-term evaluation of refractive changes in eyes of preterm children: a 6-year follow-up study

PURPOSE

To investigate the longitudinal changes in refractive errors in preterm children with and without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in the first 6 years of life.

METHODS

We included 226 preterm children with a gestational age of ≤34 weeks: 222 eyes with no ROP, 73 eyes with mild ROP and 145 eyes with severe ROP. Longitudinal cycloplegic refraction data were collected initially and yearly thereafter until 6 years of age.

RESULTS

Eyes in the severe ROP group showed an increase in myopia values between the 1- and 3-year examinations (p = 0.005), with little change thereafter. However, the mild/no ROP group demonstrated a nonsignificant increasing myopia values throughout the 6-year follow-up (p = 0.073). Both the mild/no ROP and severe ROP groups were found to have increasing mean astigmatism values with increasing age, albeit nonsignificantly (p = 0.418, p = 0.384, respectively). Likewise, the stable mean values of anisometropia increased nonsignificantly during the first 6 years of life in both the mild/no ROP and severe ROP groups (p = 0.246, p = 0.073, respectively). Severe ROP group had higher values regarding myopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia parameters than the mild/no ROP group for all ages during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Preterm children with severe ROP should be closely monitored, and also those with mild/no ROP should be carefully followed up for not overlooking possible increases in refractive conditions.

Visual outcome and refractive status in first 3 years of age in preterm infants suffered from laser-treated Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP): a 6-year retrospective review in a tertiary centre in Hong Kong

PURPOSE

To report the visual outcome and refractive status in first 3 years of age in preterm infants suffered from laser-treated Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP): a 6-year review in Hong Kong DESIGN: Retrospective case series METHODOLOGY: Clinical records of all infants suffered from Type 1 ROP who had undergone laser therapy between 2007 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Basic demographic data, serial changes of refractive error, visual acuity, severity of ROP and laser were analyzed. Correlation with myopia and astigmatism progression, body weight, height, growth and gestational age were also analyzed.

RESULT

Among 494 babies screened, 14 Chinese babies (26 eyes) recruited with 1:1 male-to-female ratio in this study. All eyes showed gradual progression of myopia in first 3 years of age but no significant change of astigmatism. Further correlation analysis showed no correlation with laser energy consumed, birth weight (p = 0.14), head circumference growth (p = 0.57) and body weight growth (p = 0.71). However, severity of myopia was related to the post-conceptual age when receiving laser therapy (p < 0.005), gestation age (p = 0.02) and possibly body height growth with age (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Myopia in early life is one of the most common ocular sequelae in Type 1 ROP survivors. Early detection of refractive error is important for prompt correction and visual rehabilitation to prevent amblyopia.

Screening and Treatment in Retinopathy of Prematurity

BACKGROUND

More than 11 000 children are examined for possible retinopathy of prematurity in Germany each year, and 2-5% of them are treated for it. Even though screening and treatment programs are in place, the affected children can still suffer visual impairment.

METHODS

In this article, we summarize the pathogenesis, screening, and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity on the basis of a selective review of pertinent literature, retrieved by a PubMed search. The article centers on publications from 2011 to 2015 on the new option of treatment with VEGF inhibitors and discusses it in comparison to laser therapy.

RESULTS

All premature neonates with a low gestational age at birth, low birth weight, or prolonged exposure to supplemental oxygen must undergo screening by an ophthalmologist. Laser therapy is effective for stages 1-3 and for aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity. Its disadvantages are the induction of scarring and the development of severe myopia in 17-40% of the children so treated. Anti-VEGF treatment (VEGF = vascular endothelial growth factor) does not induce any visible scarring and seems to cause less myopia, but long-term data on safety, dosing, and the choice of anti-VEGF drug are still lacking.

CONCLUSION

The available evidence for anti-VEGF treatment is on a much lower level than the evidence for laser therapy. Anti-VEGF may be a way to avoid the disadvantages of laser therapy (scarring and severe myopia). Unlike laser therapy, however, the intravitreal injection of VEGF inhibitors may suppress systemic VEGF levels and potentially harm the developing brain, lungs, or other organs. The currently open questions about anti-VEGF treatment concern its dosing, choice of drug, and long-term safety.

Axial length, refraction, and retinal vascularization 1 year after ranibizumab or bevacizumab treatment for retinopathy of prematurity

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to report on the axial length, refraction, and retinal vascularization 1 year after ranibizumab or bevacizumab treatment for threshold retinopathy of prematurity.

Methods

The authors conducted a comparative, consecutive, original study.

Results

Twenty-five eyes of 13 patients with threshold retinopathy of prematurity received one intravitreal ranibizumab treatment, and 15 eyes of eight patients received one intravitreal bevacizumab treatment. In the ranibizumab group, the mean gestational age was 26.15±2.08 weeks, with a mean birth weight of 811.15±287.3 g. In the bevacizumab group, the mean gestational age was 26.50±2.14 weeks, with a mean birth weight of 938.38±200.4 g. The mean axial length was 20.34±0.97 mm and the mean spherical equivalent was 0.46±1.36 D in the ranibizumab group, with complete vascularization in 15 of 25 (60%) eyes. The mean axial length was 20.91±1.54 mm and the mean spherical equivalent was −0.60±3.86 D in the bevacizumab group, with complete vascularization in seven of 15 (46.7%) eyes.

Conclusion

There were no significant differences in the axial length and refraction between children with threshold retinopathy of prematurity who received intravitreal bevacizumab compared to those who received ranibizumab after 1 year of follow-up. It appeared that the ranibizumab treatment could achieve more complete retinal vascularization than the bevacizumab treatment; however, there was no statistical significance and long-term follow-up is needed.

Comparison of Bevacizumab, Ranibizumab, and Laser Photocoagulation in the Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Turkey

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacies and treatment outcomes following intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR), and laser photocoagulation (LPC) in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

METHODS

This was a retrospective interventional case series study including the data of 134 infants (264 eyes) who were treated with IVB, IVR, or LPC for ROP. The data were collected from two major ROP treatment centers in Turkey without any randomization or masking. Regression of ROP, recurrence profile, complications after each treatment modality, and indications for retreatment were evaluated. The main outcome measures included the total inactivation of ROP with anatomic and refractive outcomes at 1.5 years of adjusted age.

RESULTS

There were 55 infants (41.1%) in the IVB group, 22 infants (16.4%) in the IVR group, and 57 infants (42.5%) in the LPC group. All but 3 infants (5.5%) in the IVB group and 11 infants (50%) in the IVR group showed recurrence to stage 1 and 2 ROP following IVB and IVR (p < 0.001). Retreatment was performed in three infants in both IVB and IVR groups (p = 0.098). At 1.5 years of adjusted age, all infants showed favorable anatomic outcome except one infant in the LPC group. No significant difference of the mean spherical equivalent (SE) was observed between the groups (p = 0.131). In Zone I ROP, laser treated infants had significantly higher rates of myopia and high myopia than IVB and IVR treated infants (p = 0.040 and p = 0.019, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Both IVB and IVR treated infants had significantly better refractive outcomes in Zone I ROP as compared to LPC treated infants at 1.5 years of adjusted age. The higher rate of disease recurrence was associated with IVR. Gestational age (GA) and the zone of ROP were also predictive factors for recurrence of ROP in the study.

Treatment of type I ROP with intravitreal bevacizumab or laser photocoagulation according to retinal zone

AIMS

To investigate the outcome of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) compared with laser photocoagulation in type I retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

METHODS

Case records of 54 consecutive very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with type I ROP (posterior ROP, n=33; peripheral zone II, n=21) who were treated either with IVB (n=37) or laser photocoagulation (n=17) between 2011 and 2015 were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients with posterior ROP displayed significantly faster regression of active ROP within 12 days (range 9-15 days) if treated with IVB compared with laser photocoagulation, where active ROP regressed within 57 days (range 28-63 days) (p>0.001). No difference was observed in peripheral zone II.Five of seven patients (12%) who developed a recurrence in both eyes after IVB required additional laser photocoagulation within a mean of 12.7 weeks (11.3-15.6 weeks) after the previous treatment. After laser photocoagulation one patient with posterior ROP developed macular dragging and another patient developed a temporary exudative retinal detachment in both eyes. 12 months after treatment the spherical equivalent was not statistically significant different between IVB and laser photocoagulation in posterior ROP patients. However, IVB lead to a significant lower spherical equivalent in infants with posterior ROP (+0.37 dioptres, range -0.5 to +1.88 dioptres) compared with peripheral zone II (+3.0 dioptres range +2.0 to +4.0 dioptres, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

IVB leads to faster regression of active ROP in infants with posterior ROP compared with laser photocoagulation. Spherical equivalent after 12 months was comparable in those treated with IVB and laser photocoagulation, but it was significantly lower in posterior ROP than in peripheral zone II.

Evaluation of Refractive Errors and Ocular Biometric Outcomes after Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Retinopathy of Prematurity

PURPOSE

To assess ocular biometric outcomes following intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) monotherapy for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and compare these results with those of laser photocoagulated infants and with the ones with spontaneously regressed ROP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Premature infants including those who underwent IVB monotherapy (Group 1) or laser photocoagulation (Group 2) for ROP and infants with spontaneously regressed ROP (Group 3) were recruited for the study. Refractive errors and ocular biometric parameters (Axial length [AL], anterior chamber depth [ACD], and lens thickness [LT]) were measured at adjusted 1 year of age in all subjects.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference of spherical equivalent (SE) value between the groups (P = 0.781). The incidence of high myopia was 7.4% in Group 1 and 12.7% in Group 2 (P = 0.081). No infants exhibited high myopia in Group 3. LT was greater in Group 2 when compared to Group 1 and Group 3 (P = 0.011). Lower SE was significantly correlated to longer AL in Group 1 (r = -0.656, P = 0.015). There was a significant positive correlation between SE and ACD values in Group 2 (r = 0.391, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

The study showed no significant difference of SE between the groups. High myopia was only present among the treated infants either with IVB or laser. Infants who received laser treatment significantly had thicker lenses.

Refractive status of Chinese with laser-treated retinopathy of prematurity

Purpose

To analyze changes in myopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia after laser treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), including aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP), in Mainland Chinese children.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of children who had laser treatment for threshold or type 1 prethreshold ROP between January 2004 and October 2012 and age-matched control subjects with spontaneously regressed type 2 prethreshold ROP. One hundred fifteen eyes of 60 patients were included as the laser-treated group, which were further subdivided into APROP and non-APROP groups. Thirty-seven eyes of 20 patients who were diagnosed during the same period were included as the control group. Between 12 and 36 months postnatal age (PA) (mean [±SD], 22.9 [±8.1] months), cycloplegic retinoscopy was performed to measure refractive outcomes. A general linear model was used to analyze refractive changes among different groups at each PA.

Results

After adjusting for PA and the correlation between right and left eyes, the magnitude and proportion of astigmatism (p = 0.04 and p = 0.004, respectively) and myopia (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.006, respectively) were greater in the laser-treated group than in the control group. The differences in myopia were even greater in children with APROP than those with non-APROP, whereas the differences in astigmatism were not. Eyes with APROP had higher prevalence of high myopia and spherical anisometropia than the control (p = 0.002 and p = 0.02, respectively) and the non-APROP groups (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.04, respectively).

Conclusions

Children with laser treatment for ROP, including APROP, tended to have higher myopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia, which may progress to amblyopia. These findings highlight the need for regular refractive screening after laser treatment of ROP.

Current understanding and management of aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity

Aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), previously referred to as “Rush disease”, is a rapidly progressive form of ROP. This form of ROP typically presents in very low birth weight babies of early gestational age. Historically, anatomical and functional outcomes have been poor with standard treatment. This review is designed to discuss current knowledge and treatment regarding this aggressive form of ROP. Recommendations regarding management of these difficult cases are detailed.

Treatment of type 1 retinopathy of prematurity with bevacizumab versus laser

PURPOSE

To compare structural outcomes, visual function, refraction, and frequency of follow-up for infants with type 1 retinopathy of prematurity in zone I or zone II posterior treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) versus laser.

METHODS

The medical records of infants treated with IVB or laser photocoagulation at our institution from January 2009 to May 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Only infants with a minimum of 6 months' follow-up were included. Outcome measures were structural outcome, visual acuity, and spherical equivalent (SE) at corrected age of 1 year. The frequency of follow-up visits during 9 months after treatment was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 23 eyes of 13 infants were treated with IVB and 22 eyes of 12 infants were treated with laser. There was no statistically significant difference in gestational age or birth weight between groups. None developed unfavorable structural outcome. Mean visual acuity was 0.99 ± 0.38 logMAR for the IVB group and 0.71 ± 0.36 logMAR for the laser group (P = 0.34; 95% CI, -0.52 to 0.19). Mean spherical equivalent was -3.57 ± 6.19 D for the IVB group and -6.39 ± 4.41 D for the laser group (P = 0.33; 95% CI, -7.19 to 2.49). In the IVB group, infants had an average of 16.00 ± 6.00 follow-up visits; in the laser group, 6.00 ± 3.00 (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both treatments resulted in good structural outcome, and no difference in visual acuity or refraction. However, more frequent follow-up was observed in the IVB group.

Ophthalmic short- and long-term outcomes for premature infants: Results of an extended follow-up program in Saudi Arabia

PURPOSE

Study the ophthalmic morbidities for infants born prematurely at a Tertiary care center in Riyadh city.

METHODS

Retrospective, longitudinal cohort study at King Fahad Medical City for premature infants born at gestational age (GA) ⩽32 weeks or birth weight (BW) ⩽1500 g during the study period from January 1, 2007, until the end of December 2009 was conducted. Short term outcome was diagnosis with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) and long-term outcome was ophthalmic findings at age 18-24 months.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of ROP was 30%. Infants diagnosed with ROP had a mean GA of 27 weeks (23-35 weeks) and mean BW of 907 g (530-1730 g). Risk factors other than GA and BW for ROP, identified in the predictive logistic regression model, were blood transfusion [odds ratio (OR) 1.27] and diagnosis with intraventricular hemorrhage (OR = 2.90). Strabismus was identified in 14% of the study cohort. Diagnosis of hyperopia (spherical equivalent ⩾+0.75 D) was equal in both ROP and no-ROP groups (p = 0.56). Myopia (spherical equivalent ⩾-0.75 D) and astigmatism ⩾1.00 D were diagnosed more frequently in the ROP group (p < 0.0001 and 0.04, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A higher incidence of ROP was observed in this cohort compared to some Saudi Arabian centers. It is recommended that the screening criteria be maintained and that the effects of further control of blood transfusion be assessed in a prospective study. The authors recommend an extra ophthalmic evaluation at the age of 18-24 months for all premature infants born with GA ⩽ 32 weeks.

Intravitreal bevacizumab for retinopathy of prematurity: refractive error results

PURPOSE

To evaluate refractive error in infants who underwent intravitreal bevacizumab injection for treatment of threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

DESIGN

Retrospective nonrandomized interventional comparative study.

METHODS

The study group included all infants who consecutively received a single intravitreal bevacizumab (0.375 mg or 0.625 mg) injection for therapy of threshold ROP in fundus zone I or zone II. The control group included infants who had previously undergone retinal argon laser therapy of ROP. The follow-up examination included refractometry under cycloplegic conditions.

RESULTS

The study group included 12 children (23 eyes; mean birth weight: 622 ± 153 g; gestational age: 25.2 ± 1.6 weeks) and the control group included 13 children (26 eyes; birth weight: 717 ± 197 g; gestational age: 25.3 ± 1.8 weeks). Both groups did not differ significantly in birth age and weight and follow-up. At the end of follow-up at 11.4 ± 2.3 months after birth, refractive error was less myopic in the study group than in the control group (-1.04 ± 4.24 diopters [median: 0 diopters] vs -4.41 ± 5.50 diopters [median: -5.50 diopters]; P = .02). Prevalence of moderate myopia (17% ± 8% vs 54% ± 10%; P = .02; OR: 0.18 [95% CI: 0.05, 0.68]) and high myopia (9% ± 6% vs 42% ± 10%; P = .01; OR: 0.13 [95% CI: 0.03, 0.67]) was significantly lower in the bevacizumab group. Refractive astigmatism was significantly lower in the study group (-1.0 ± 1.04 diopters vs 1.82 ± 1.41 diopters; P = .03). In multivariate analysis, myopic refractive error and astigmatism were significantly associated with laser therapy vs bevacizumab therapy (P = .04 and P = .02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In a 1-year follow-up, a single intravitreal bevacizumab injection as compared to conventional retinal laser coagulation was helpful for therapy of ROP and led to less myopization and less astigmatism.

Progression of myopia and high myopia in the Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity study: findings at 4 to 6 years of age

PURPOSE

To report the prevalence of myopia and high myopia in children <6 years of age born preterm with birth weights <1251 g who developed high-risk prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity and who participated in the Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity trial.

METHODS

Surviving children from the cohort of 401 participants who had developed high-risk prethreshold ROP in one or both eyes underwent cycloplegic retinoscopy at 6 and 9 months corrected age and yearly between 2 and 6 years postnatal age. Eyes were randomized to receive treatment at high-risk prethreshold ROP or conventional management with treatment only if threshold ROP developed. Myopia (spherical equivalent ≥0.25 D) or high myopia (≥5.00 D) in eyes at 4-, 5-, and 6-year examinations was reported.

RESULTS

At ages 4, 5, and 6 years, there was no difference in the percentage of eyes with myopia (range, 64.8%-69.9%) and eyes with high myopia (range, 35.3%-39.4%) between earlier treated and conventionally managed eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately two-thirds of eyes with high-risk prethreshold ROP during the neonatal period are likely to be myopic into the preschool and early school years. In addition, the increase in the proportion of eyes with high myopia that had been observed in both earlier-treated and conventionally managed eyes between ages 6 months and 3 years does not continue between ages 3 and 6 years.

Structural and functional results of indirect diode laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity from 1999 to 2003 in Kuwait

Purpose

The purpose was to report the structural, visual, and refractive outcomes of infants treated for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with laser and to identify the risk factors for unfavorable outcomes.

Materials and methods

The charts of infants with severe ROP treated by diode laser in a tertiary center during the period April 1999 to November 2003 were reviewed. Treated infants were followed up for fundus examination, visual acuity assessment, and cycloplegic refraction. Data regarding ocular risk factors, like zones of ROP and the extent of extraretinal proliferations, and data regarding various systemic risk factors were collected. A minimum follow up of 6 months was needed for inclusion in the study of structural outcome. A minimum follow up of 24 months was needed for the study of visual and refractive outcomes. The outcomes measured were: rate of unfavorable structural outcome, unfavorable visual outcome (visual acuity < 20/40), and high myopia (myopia ≥ 5 diopters). The ocular and systemic risk factors were studied for their significance in the development of unfavorable outcomes.

Results

Two hundred seventy eyes of 148 infants were treated for severe ROP, out of which 20 eyes (7.4%) had unfavorable structural outcome. Visual data were available for 149 eyes of 81 infants, of which 70 eyes (47%) had unfavorable visual outcome. Refractive data were available for 131 eyes of 72 infants, and high myopia was present in 23 (17.6%) eyes. Zone I disease was the significant risk factor for unfavorable structural (P < 0.0001), unfavorable visual outcome (P = 0.03), and for high myopia (P < 0.0001). Lower post-conceptional age at treatment was significant for unfavorable structural outcome (P = 0.03) and high myopia (P < 0.0001). Presence of sepsis (P = 0.029) and extraretinal proliferation ≥ 6 hours were significant for unfavorable structural outcome (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

ROP in zone I was the most significant risk factor for all the unfavorable outcomes. Laser-treated ROP infants need long term follow up.

Retinopathy of prematurity in southern Taiwan: a 10-year tertiary medical center study

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness. This retrospective study investigated ROP, including incidence, demographic information,risk factors, treatments, and refractive outcomes, in southern Taiwan over a 10-year period.

METHODS

The authors retrieved the National Cheng Kung University Hospital database between the years 2000 and 2009 for newborns with a gestational age less than 32 weeks and/or with a birth weight less than 1500 g who had been screened for ROP. We recorded sex, birth weight, gestational age, in-hospital versus out-of-hospital birth, paternal and maternal ages, whether there were multiple gestations, parity, Apgar scores, length of hospital stay, risk factors, presence and severity of ROP and whether it was treated, and refraction at the last visit. Regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for ROP.

RESULTS

A total of 503 live births were included. ROP was identified in 190 (37.8%) and met criteria for treatment in 59 (11.7%).ROP was diagnosed as stage 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in 61 (12.1%), 36 (7.2%), 81 (16.1%), 11 (2.2%), and 1 (0.2%) infant, respectively. Lower birth weight and younger gestational age were risk factors for greater severity of ROP (p < 0.001). Of the 167 with extremely low birth weight (<1000 g), 118 (70.7%) had ROP and 49 (29.3%) required treatment. On univariate analysis, low birth weight, younger gestational age, and risk factors such as respiratory distress syndrome, chronic lung disease, patent ductus arteriosus, surfactant usage, indomethacin usage, sepsis, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, blood transfusion, and necrotizing enterocolitis were associated with ROP. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only lower birth weight was a significant and independent risk factor for ROP. Myopia (76%)and anisometropia (28%)were common in advanced ROP.

CONCLUSION

Low birth weight is a major risk factor for ROP. Infants with extremely low birth weight had a higher risk of severe ROP. Common ocular sequelae of advanced ROP were myopia and anisometropia.

Structural sequelae and refractive outcome 1 year after laser treatment for type 1 prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity in Asian Indian eyes

AIM

The aim was to study the structural sequelae and refractive outcome after laser treatment for Type 1 prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Asian Indian eyes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review of infants with Type 1 prethreshold ROP (defined according to the Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity study) undergoing laser treatment at a tertiary center between January 2004 and December 2008 was done. The 1-year outcome of infants was analyzed.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine eyes of 36 infants were included. The mean birth weight was 1121.69 ± 254.81 g and the gestational age was 28.99 ± 2.03 weeks. Sixty-five eyes (94.2%) had zone 2 and 4 (5.8%) had zone 1 disease. Forty-four (63.77%) eyes had stage 2 ROP with plus disease and 25 (36.23%) eyes had prethreshold (fewer than five contiguous or eight cumulative clock hours) stage 3 ROP with plus disease. None of the eyes developed retinal structural sequelae. On cycloplegic retinoscopy, 59.4% eyes had nonsignificant hyperopia [spherical equivalent (SE) ≤ 4 D], 14.5% eyes had no refractive error (SE 0 D), 24.7% eyes had low myopia (SE < 5 D), and 1.4% eyes had high myopia (SE > 5.0 D). Eyes developing myopia were associated with a greater number of clock hours of ROP, greater number of laser spots used, and a longer time to disease regression . Two infants (5.6%) had esotropia and one (2.8%) had exotropia.

CONCLUSION

Asian Indian infants treated for Type 1 prethreshold ROP did not develop retinal structural sequelae. Myopia was seen in nearly one-fourth of the eyes.The risk factors for myopia were a greater number of clock hours of ROP, greater number of laser spots, and a longer time to regression of ROP.

Prevalence and course of strabismus through age 6 years in participants of the Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity randomized trial

PURPOSE

To present strabismus data for children who participated in the Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ETROP) randomized trial.

METHODS

The prevalence of strabismus, categorized as present or absent, was tabulated for all children with history of high-risk prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) who participated in the ETROP randomized trial and were examined at 9 months to 6 years of age. Relationships among strabismus and demographic measures, eye characteristics, and neurodevelopmental factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among the 342 children evaluated at 6 years, the prevalence of strabismus was 42.2%. Even with favorable acuity scores in both eyes, the prevalence of strabismus was 25.4%, and with favorable structural outcomes in both eyes the prevalence of strabismus was 34.2%. Of children categorized as visually impaired as the result of either ocular or cerebral causes, 80% were strabismic at the 6-year examination. Of 103 study participants who were strabismic at 9 months, 77 (74.8%) remained so at 6 years. Most strabismus was constant at both the 9-month (62.7%) and the 6-year examination (72.3%). After multiple logistic regression analysis, risk factors for strabismus were abnormal fixation behavior in one or both eyes (P < 0.001), history of amblyopia (P < 0.003), unfavorable structural outcome in one or both eyes (P = 0.025), and history of anisometropia (P = 0.04). Strabismus surgery was performed for 53 children. By 6 years, the cumulative prevalence of strabismus was 59.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Most children with a history of high-risk prethreshold ROP develop strabismus at some time during the first 6 years of life.

Astigmatism progression in the early treatment for retinopathy of prematurity study to 6 years of age

PURPOSE

To examine the prevalence of astigmatism (≥ 1.00 diopter [D]) and high astigmatism (≥ 2.00 D) from 6 months after term due date to 6 years of age in preterm children with birth weight of less than 1251 g in whom high-risk prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) developed and who participated in the Early Treatment for ROP study.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Four hundred one infants in whom high-risk prethreshold ROP developed in 1 or both eyes and were randomized to early treatment (ET) versus conventional management (CM). Refractive error was measured by cycloplegic retinoscopy. Eyes were excluded if they underwent additional retinal, glaucoma, or cataract surgery.

INTERVENTION

Eyes were randomized to receive laser photocoagulation at high-risk prethreshold ROP or to receive treatment only if threshold ROP developed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Astigmatism and high astigmatism at each study visit.

RESULTS

For both ET and CM eyes, there was a consistent increase in prevalence of astigmatism over time, increasing from 42% at 4 years to 52% by 6 years for the group of ET eyes and from 47% to 54%, respectively, in the CM eyes. There was no statistically significant difference between the slopes (rate of change per month) of the ET and CM eyes for both astigmatism and high astigmatism (P = 0.75).

CONCLUSIONS

By 6 years of age, astigmatism of 1.00 D or more developed in more than 50% of eyes with high-risk prethreshold ROP, and nearly 25% of such eyes had high astigmatism (≥ 2.00 D). Presence of astigmatism was not influenced by timing of treatment, zone of acute-phase ROP, or presence of plus disease. However, there was a trend toward higher prevalence of astigmatism and high astigmatism in eyes with ROP residua. Most astigmatism was with-the-rule (75°-105°). More eyes with type 2 than type 1 ROP had astigmatism by 6 years. These findings reinforce the need for follow-up eye examinations through early grade school years in infants with high-risk prethreshold ROP.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

The neurovascular retina in retinopathy of prematurity

The continuing worldwide epidemic of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of childhood visual impairment, strongly motivates further research into mechanisms of the disease. Although the hallmark of ROP is abnormal retinal vasculature, a growing body of evidence supports a critical role for the neural retina in the ROP disease process. The age of onset of ROP coincides with the rapid developmental increase in rod photoreceptor outer segment length and rhodopsin content of the retina with escalation of energy demands. Using a combination of non-invasive electroretinographic (ERG), psychophysical, and image analysis procedures, the neural retina and its vasculature have been studied in prematurely born human subjects, both with and without ROP, and in rats that model the key vascular and neural parameters found in human ROP subjects. These data are compared to comprehensive numeric summaries of the neural and vascular features in normally developing human and rat retina. In rats, biochemical, anatomical, and molecular biological investigations are paired with the non-invasive assessments. ROP, even if mild, primarily and persistently alters the structure and function of photoreceptors. Post-receptor neurons and retinal vasculature, which are intimately related, are also affected by ROP; conspicuous neurovascular abnormalities disappear, but subtle structural anomalies and functional deficits may persist years after clinical ROP resolves. The data from human subjects and rat models identify photoreceptor and post-receptor targets for interventions that promise improved outcomes for children at risk for ROP.

Astigmatism in the Early Treatment for Retinopathy Of Prematurity Study: findings to 3 years of age

PURPOSE

To examine the prevalence of astigmatism (> or =1.00 diopter [D]) and high astigmatism (> or =2.00 D) at 6 and 9 months corrected age and 2 and 3 years postnatal age, in preterm children with birth weight of less than 1251 g in whom high-risk prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) developed and who participated in the Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ETROP) Study.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Four hundred one infants in whom prethreshold ROP developed in one or both eyes and who were randomized after they were determined to have a high risk (> or =15%) of poor structural outcome without treatment using the Risk Management of Retinopathy of Prematurity (RM-ROP2) program. Refractive error was measured by cycloplegic retinoscopy. Eyes with additional retinal, glaucoma, or cataract surgery were excluded.

INTERVENTION

Eyes were randomized to receive laser photocoagulation at high-risk prethreshold ROP (early treated [ET]) or to be conventionally managed (CM), receiving treatment only if threshold ROP developed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Astigmatism and high astigmatism at each visit. Astigmatism was classified as with-the-rule (WTR; 75 degrees -105 degrees ), against-the-rule (ATR; 0 degrees -15 degrees and 165 degrees -180 degrees ), or oblique (OBL; 16 degrees -74 degrees and 106 degrees -164 degrees ).

RESULTS

The prevalence of astigmatism in ET and CM eyes was similar at each test age. For both groups, there was an increase in prevalence of astigmatism from approximately 32% at 6 months to approximately 42% by 3 years, mostly occurring between 6 and 9 months. Among eyes that could be refracted, astigmatism was not influenced by zone of acute-phase ROP, presence of plus disease, or retinal residua of ROP. Eyes with astigmatism and high astigmatism most often had WTR astigmatism.

CONCLUSIONS

By age 3 years, nearly 43% of eyes treated at high-risk prethreshold ROP developed astigmatism of > or =1.00 D and nearly 20% had astigmatism of > or =2.00 D. Presence of astigmatism was not influenced by timing of treatment of acute-phase ROP or by characteristics of acute-phase or cicatricial ROP. These findings reinforce the need for follow-up eye examinations in infants with high-risk prethreshold ROP.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Progression of myopia and high myopia in the early treatment for retinopathy of prematurity study: findings to 3 years of age

PURPOSE

Examine the prevalence of myopia and high myopia, at 6 and 9 months postterm and 2 and 3 years postnatal in preterm children with birth weights < 1251 g who developed high-risk prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in the neonatal period and participated in the Early Treatment for ROP Study.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Four hundred one infants who developed prethreshold ROP and were determined to have a significant risk (>/=15%) of poor structural outcomes without treatment. Children underwent cycloplegic retinoscopy at examinations between 6 months postterm and 3 years' postnatal age.

INTERVENTION

Eyes were randomized to receive treatment at high-risk prethreshold ROP (early treated [ET]) or conventional management (CM), with treatment only if threshold ROP developed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Myopia (spherical equivalent >/= 0.25 diopters [D]) or high myopia (>/=5.00 D) at each visit.

RESULTS

Prevalences of myopia were similar in treated eyes in the ET and CM groups, increasing from approximately 58% to 68% between 6 and 9 months, with little change thereafter. Both ET and CM eyes showed an increasing prevalence of high myopia, approximately 19% at 6 months and increasing 4% to 8% at successive examinations. Zone of ROP and presence or absence of plus disease had little effect on prevalence of myopia or high myopia between ages 6 months and 3 years. However, eyes with ROP residua (straightened temporal vessels or macular heterotopia) showed a higher prevalence of myopia and high myopia than eyes without residua.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 70% of high-risk prethreshold ROP eyes were myopic in early childhood, and the proportion with high myopia increased steadily between ages 6 months and 3 years. Timing of treatment of high-risk prethreshold ROP did not influence refractive error development. There was little difference in prevalence of myopia or high myopia between eyes with zone I and eyes with zone II ROP, nor between eyes with plus disease and eyes with no plus disease. However, prevalence of myopia and high myopia was higher in eyes with retinal residua of ROP than in eyes with normal-appearing posterior poles, highlighting the importance of follow-up eye examinations of infants who had prethreshold ROP.