title: Retinal vessel changes after laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The clinical response to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) treatment is currently assessed subjectively. This study aims to quantify treatment response objectively by assessing changes in digital images of posterior pole retinal vessel width and tortuosity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Images of 30 right eyes with type 1 ROP obtained at up to three time points were analyzed: before treatment (T = 0) and 1 (T = 1) and/or 2 weeks (T = 2) after treatment. Width and tortuosity of retinal vessels were analyzed from digital images using computer-assisted image analysis software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Vessel width decreased by 20% (P < 0.004) within the first week and remained stable by the second week after laser treatment. Vessel tortuosity did not significantly change by the first week but decreased 27% (P < 0.01) by second week.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vessel width appears to decrease dramatic within the first week, whereas the regression of tortuosity follows a slower course.
authors: Division of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Julie.you@gmail.com
authors: Julie Y
authors: JY
authors: Kwon
authors: Devon H
authors: DH
authors: Ghodasra
authors: Karen A
authors: KA
authors: Karp
authors: Gui-shuang
authors: GS
authors: Ying
authors: Clare M
authors: CM
authors: Wilson
authors: Jiayan
authors: J
authors: Huang
authors: Monte D
authors: MD
authors: Mills
authors: Alistair R
authors: AR
authors: Fielder
authors: Graham E
authors: GE
authors: Quinn
mesh_terms: D001160:Arterioles / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012171:Retinal Vessels / Q000473:pathology*; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014699:Venules / Q000473:pathology