This retrospective cohort study presents a group of patients who underwent laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity and presented with delayed anterior segment complications.
The charts of infants treated with laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity at our institution between 1988 and 2020 were reviewed. The data extracted included demographics, treatment and clinical examination findings, and those on visual acuity, surgical procedures, and cycloplegic refraction. The inclusion criteria were documented anterior segment changes during the follow-up period. The exclusion criteria were any prior intraocular surgery or inflammation before signs of anterior segment complications developed. The exposure was laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity and the main outcomes were anterior segment complications, visual acuity, and cycloplegic refraction.
A total of 183 charts were reviewed. Sixteen eyes of nine patients (4.4%) met the inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up period after laser treatment was 15.9 years (range 10 years–26 years). The mean gestational age at birth was 24.6 weeks (range 23 weeks–27 weeks), and the mean age at first clinical documentation of anterior segment complications was 8.7 years (range 1 years–25 years). The complications included cataract (
Anterior segment complications after laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity may develop later in life. They affect patients’ visual acuity and quality of life and may require treatment.