ObjectiveTo observe clinical outcomes of laser photocoagulation on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). MethodsClinical data of 64 cases of ROP infants (127 eyes) were studied retrospectively. Fifteen infants (30 eyes) were diagnosed of pre-threshold ROP (type Ⅰ, 23.6%) and 49 cases (97 eyes) of threshold ROP (76.4%). All the eyes underwent photocoagulation through binocular indirect ophthalmoscope (532 nm or 810 nm) within 72 hours after the confirmation ROP. In all the 15 cases (30 eyes) of pre-threshold ROP (type Ⅰ), 6 of them (12 eyes) were photocoagulated by laser of 532 nm, and the other 9 ones (18 eyes) were treated with 810 nm. In 49 threshold ROP infants (97 eyes), 37 cases (73 eyes) and 12 ones (24 eyes) were treated with laser of 532 nm or 810 nm respectively. All the infants were followed up 12-36 months (18.4 months) since photocoagulation to investigate regression of ROP. All the data of ROP infants photocoagulated, such as recovery rate of one-time photocoagulation, repeat rate, unfavorable outcomes, and complications, were analyzed statistically according to the severity of ROP and wave length of laser employed. ResultsIn all the 127 photocoagulation treated eyes, ROP regressed completely in 125 eyes (98.4%), temporal retinal traction remained in 2 eyes (1.6%), and no retinal detachment was found. ROP regressed completely in 118 eyes (92.9%) after one-time photocoagulation, recovered totally in 6 eyes (4.7%) after repeating photocoagulation 2-3 times, and resorted to cryotherapy in 3 eyes (2.4%). Subconjunctiva hemorrhage, found in 12 eyes (9.4%), was the most common complication. During photocoagulation, anesthetic accident occurred in 1 infant (1.6%), and 1 eye developed cataract (0.8%). It was suggested from statistical analysis that there was no significant difference on efficiency or safety between pre-threshold (type Ⅰ) and threshold ROP photocoagulated by laser of 532 nm or 810 nm. However, almost all of the ROP infants need repeat photocoagulation or additional cryotherapy, and patients with unfavorable outcomes or severe complications, occurred in threshold ROP treated with 532 nm laser. ConclusionPhotocoagulation with 532 nm or 810 nm laser is effective for type Ⅰ pre-threshold or threshold ROP.
Objective To observe the development of cone/rod functions in children with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) after laser photocoagulation. Methods 30 ROP patients (60 eyes) treated with laser photocoagulation (case group) and 30 preterm infants (60 eyes) without ROP (control group) were enrolled in this study. Flash Electroretinogram (F-ERG) was performed on all the children, and the response of rod cells and cone cells, maximal mixed responses and oscillatory potentials were recorded. Results Compared with the control group, the amplitude of response of rod cells was obviously decreased (t=-2.385, P＜0.05), while the latency phase of rod cells was obviously prolonged (t=-2.799,P＜0.05); the amplitudes of a-and b-wave of maximal response were significantly decreased in the case group (t=-2.967, -4.037; P＜0.05). But there was no significant difference of amplitudes(t=-1.402) and latency phase (t=-1.637,0.465)of b-/a-wave of the maximal mixed response between two groups(P＞0.05). In the response of cone cells, there was no significant difference of the latency phase (t=1.222) and amplitude (t=-0.636)of a-wave as well as amplitude (t=-1.927) of b-wave between two groups (P＞0.05). The latency phase of b-wave of cone cells in the case group was longer than that in the control group (t=-2.466,P＜0.05). Conclusions Compared to no-ROP preterm infant retina, laser-treated ROP retina has normal cone function development and delayed rod function development.
ObjectivesTo evaluate the therapeutic effect of argon laser photocoagulation combined with intravitreous injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on ischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).MethodsArgon laser photocoagulation combined with intravitreous injection of TA was performed on 17 patients (17 eyes) with CRVO between December 2003 and July 2004.ResultsDuring the follow-up of 4-10 months, the visual acuity improved in 16 patients, including alleviated or even disappeared cystoid macular edema (CME) in 5, and recurred macular edema in 5 with decreased visual acuity after 3 months. Six patients had increased ocular pressure after intra-ocular injection which alleviated after treated suitably. No neovascularization in angle or secondary neovascular glaucoma was found.ConclusionArgon laser photocoagulation combined with intravitreous injection of TA may improve the visual acuity and reduce complications in ischemic CRVO, though macular edema may recur in some cases. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2005,21:224-225)
Macular edema is a common cause of visual loss in patients with retinal vascular diseases represented by diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion. Laser photocoagulation has been the main treatment for this kind of diseases for decades. With the advent of antagonist of vascular endothelial growth factor and dexamethasone implant, diabetic macular edema and macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion have been well controlled; the use of laser therapy is decreasing. However, considering possible risks and complications, lack of extended inspection of efficacy and safety of intravitreal pharmacotherapy, laser therapy cannot be replaced by now. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of laser therapy will improve by sober realization of role of photocoagulation and proper selection of treatment indication.
In recent years, the subthreshold micropulse laser is a kind of laser mode which is characterized by long intermittence. It achieves effective therapeutic effect while minimizes the damage to tissues. At present, it has been used to treat diabetic macular edema. Early studies suggested that the laser selectively acts on retinal pigment epithelial cells to reduce macular edema by regulating the expression of inflammatory biomarkers, growth factors, heat shock proteins and other substances. In recent years, with the development of research, more and more emphasis has been placed on the role of retinal glial cells. Müller cells are also considered as one of the target cells affected by micropulse laser, but there is no evidence of direct or indirect effects of micropulse laser on Müller cells. In the near future, it is expected that we will have more clinical evidence to confirm the target cells of the micropulse laser, which may be further confirmed by in vitro experiments through Müller cells or Müller cells co-cultured with retina pigment epithelium cells, so as to make a more detailed statement on the mechanism of it.
Objective To investigate the early influences of laser photocoagulation on macular retinal thickness in diabetic retinopathy(DR). Methods Optic coherence tomography examination was performed in 30 eyes with DR(phase Ⅲ~Ⅳ) before, and on the 3rd day and the 7th day after photocoagulation respectively. The thickness of neuroretina and pigment epithelium were measured in the areas of fovea macula and 750 μm from fovea macula. Results Three days after photocoagulation, significant thickening of neuroretina was observed in the fovea macula, which is positively related with age, fasting blood sugar and duration of DR. There was no significant changes in the thickness of pigment epithelium in macula and in the thickness of neuroretina 750 μm from fovea macula. Conclusion Significant thickening of neuroretina in fovea macula in DR early after photocoagulation reveals progressed macular edema induced by photocoagulation which is positively related with age, fasting blood sugar and duration of DR. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2002, 18: 31-33)