Diode laser photocoagulation to the vascular retina for progressively advancing retinopathy of prematurity.

AIMS: To estimate the effectiveness of diode laser photocoagulation of the retina posterior to the ridge in eyes with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: Diode laser photocoagulation was applied posterior to the fibrovascular ridge in stage 4a ROP in six eyes of four infants and in advancing stage 3+ in two eyes of one infant. Seven eyes had previously been unsuccessfully treated with diode laser photocoagulation anterior to the ridge. RESULTS: Six eyes of four children had total regression, two eyes of two children had flat maculae with residual peripheral tractional detachment and maintained vision. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results indicate that diode laser photocoagulation posterior to the ridge may be a useful treatment in late stage 3 and stage 4A ROP following failed laser treatment to the avascular retina in threshold stage 3 disease.