Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Retinopathy of Prematurity

Overview

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a proliferative retinopathy which affectspre-term infants. ROP occurs primarily at the advancing edge of vascularizationand consists of arrested spread of vessels, proliferation of endothelial cells,formation of arteriovenous shunt and in some cases, neovascularization. To dateonly the surgical approach for advanced ROP is acceptable, other ways are stillin experimental stages of development.Purpose: Because of the early development of fibrovascular proliferative tissue,vitreous surgery before the fovea is pulled anteriorly, may lead to successfulresults.Methods: Data from literature and own experiences lead the authors to use retinalre-attachment procedures to restore normal anatomic relation between the retinaand choroid in affected eyes.Results: 6 cases demonstrated that retinal detachments caused by fibrous proliferations that pull the retina upward to a fibrotic membrane on the posterior lenscapsule can be treated successfully.Conclusion: Stages ROP when the retinal detachment threatening fovea arerecommended for successful surgical repair of retinal detachment in ROP only.

Key words:
retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), pars plana vitrectomy for ROP