Aim: To assess long-term anatomic and functional outcomes of early lens-sparing vitrectomy (LSV) for stage 4A retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants with aggressive-posterior ROP (AP-ROP) which progressed to retinal detachment despite laser treatment.
Methods: Chart review of infants who underwent early 25-gage LSV for stage 4A ROP. Outcomes were anatomic success, mean visual acuity (VA), development of postoperative complications, and refractive changes. Follow-up examinations were performed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and then every 6 months.
Results: Ten eyes of seven preterm infants who underwent LSV were included. Mean follow-up was 36 ± 13.4 months and mean postmenstrual age (PMA) at last follow-up was 37 ± 13.7 months. Mean gestational age (GA) and weight at birth was 26 ± 1.4 weeks and 639 ± 180 g. Two eyes had vitreous hemorrhage 4 and 14 days after surgery, respectively. At last follow-up anatomic success was 100%, mean VA was 20/80 and eight eyes (80%) had high myopic refractive correction (mean spherical equivalent -11.25 D).
Conclusion: Early LSV for stage 4A ROP with AP-ROP and progression to retinal detachment is efficacious in terms of anatomic and functional outcomes. Anatomic success is associated with visual improvement despite possible myopic refraction changes during follow-up.
Keywords: Aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity; laser photocoagulation; lens-sparing vitrectomy; myopia; prematurity.