[Benefit of paint diode laser coagulation in the treatment of ROP].

Purpose: Authors compare results of ROP treatment with a single spot diodlasercoagulation (DLC) versus paint--DLC.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients with threshold retinopathy of prematurity treated between 2001-2010 was conducted. A single spot DLC was used from January 2001 to May 2008. In this group (SI) there were 338 patients (671 eyes) with ROP. In the second group (S II) since June 2008 to June 2010 we have used the paint DLC in 158 patients (316 eyes). Authors compare the need for reoperations to achieve regression of ROP in both groups. Rate of progression, frequency of retreatment, complications and structural outcomes were evaluated.

Results: In SI was retreatment only with DLC necessary in 43 eyes (6.4%). Additional cryotherapy was used in 22 eyes (3.3%). A scleral buckling was used in 107 eyes (15.9%). In S II was retreatment with DLC used in 4 eyes (1.3%), the additional cryotherapy in 6 eyes (1.9%) and the scleral buckling in 11 eyes (3.5%).

Conclusion: According to our outcomes we have found out the paint DLC mode is more effective than the single spot DLC in the ROP treatment.