Purpose: Aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP) may suddenly develop into tractional retinal detachment (TRD), often resulting in poor vision if untreated. The aim of the current study is to examine the anatomic results and complications of lens-sparing vitrectomy (LSV) for stage 3 APROP, before TRD appearance.
Methods: A retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series of 13 eyes of 9 patients (mean gestational age 24.1+/-0.9 weeks [range: 23-25 weeks], mean birthweight of 725.8+/-107.9 grams [range: 598-897 grams]) with stage 3 APROP was carried out. The eyes did not respond to at least one session of retinal laser photocoagulation, showing signs of disease progression. All eyes underwent 20-gauge LSV before retinal detachment appearance.
Results: All eyes underwent 20-gauge three-port LSV and intraoperative additional laser photocoagulation. At the end of the surgery, five eyes were tamponaded with air; in eight eyes, a balanced salt solution was left in the vitreous cavity. After 13.5+/-5.3 months of follow-up (range: 4-22), the retina was completely attached in all eyes, without any signs of progression. The authors did not observe any intraoperative or postoperative complications.
Conclusions: Surgical approach to stage 3 APROP refractory to laser photocoagulation could be effective and safe in order to avoid the progression of the disease.