Purpose: To determine the efficacy of the diode laser and its complications in treating retinopathy of prematurity, at stage 3, threshold. Methods: One hundred and fifty-two children, out of 348 premature infants examined at the Ophthalmologic Clinic of the Getúlio Vargas Hospital and Instituto de Olhos do Piauí, in Teresina - Piauí, from July '89 to March '99, had retinopathy of prematurity. Those with retinopathy of prematurity at stage 3, threshold, were submitted to application of diode indirect laser to the retina. Results: Twenty children (38 eyes) received diode laser. Twelve patients showed regression of retinopathy and three children developed stage 5. No ocular complications were observed. Five children had respiratory failure due to anesthesia. Conclusions: The diode laser treatment was successful in 80.0% of the patients. The complications were possibly related to the general anesthesia.
Retinopathy of prematurity; Light coagulation; Lasers; Infant, newborn; Infant, premature
