Outcome of zone 1 retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the outcome in a series of patients with pre-threshold and threshold zone 1 retinopathy of prematurity. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 12 babies, 24 eyes, with zone 1 retinopathy of prematurity, treated between 1992 and 2002 with diode laser treatment. Results: Ten out of the 12 babies had an unfavourable outcome. The only patients with successful anatomical outcomes were those treated before threshold disease occurred. All babies had developmental delay or neurological disability. Conclusion: Zone 1 retinopathy of prematurity has a poor anatomical and visual prognosis and many of the babies in our study had developmental delay and neurological disability. Earlier treatment may improve the visual outcome.