MULTIPLE BILATERAL RETINAL BREAKS AS A LONG-TERM COMPLICATION OF RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY TREATED WITH INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB.

Purpose: To report the occurrence of multiple bilateral retinal breaks 11 years after bevacizumab treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods: A case report.

Results: An 11-year-old girl developed multiple bilateral retinal breaks in areas of vitreous condensation 11 years after treatment for ROP with intravitreal bevacizumab at 4 months of age. The retinal breaks were treated with laser retinopexy as prophylaxis for retinal detachment.

Discussion: Patients with a history of ROP have a lifelong increased risk of retinal tears, and the long-term effects of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for ROP are not well understood or documented. It is unknown whether there are differences in the rates of long-term ocular complications of ROP after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor versus laser treatment of ROP. Studies are needed to compare the long-term benefits and risks associated with both approaches.