title: Diode laser photocoagulation to the ridge and avascular retina in threshold retinopathy of prematurity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report results applying diode laser photocoagulation to both the peripheral avascular retina and the ridge in stage 3+ threshold retinopathy of prematurity.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors performed a retrospective review of 82 consecutive eyes in 43 preterm infants with threshold disease who had both the peripheral avascular retina and the ridge treated with diode laser photocoagulation. With a minimum follow-up of 3 months, these eyes were evaluated for intraoperative and postoperative complications and long-term anatomic results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A favorable anatomic outcome occurred in 79 eyes (96%). There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative intraocular hemorrhage occurred in eight eyes (10%) and resolved without sequelae. Supplemental laser was required in only two eyes (2%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Diode laser photocoagulation to the ridge and peripheral avascular retina in threshold retinopathy of prematurity is associated with a favorable anatomic outcome. The risk of postoperative intraocular hemorrhage and the need for supplemental laser photocoagulation is low.
authors.affiliation: Southern Vitreoretinal Associates, Tallahassee, Florida 32308, USA.
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Steinmetz
authors.forename: H Logan
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Brooks
mesh_terms: D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012160:Retina / Q000601:surgery*; D012171:Retinal Vessels / Q000601:surgery*; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000145:classification / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome