Abstract
To describe a new modified technique in the treatment of ROP (retinopathy of prematurity) using the RetCam 3 digital imaging system - Camera-Assisted Laser photocoagulation and Cryotherapy of the Retina (CALCR). From Nov 2011 to Oct 2013, 113 infants were diagnosed with ROP. The average post-conceptual age (PCA) at the time of diagnosis was the 35(th) week of PCA; the average birth weight was 1,041 g. According to the ETROP study, the avascular part of the retina of infants with high-risk prethreshold ROP was treated with a trans-scleral diode laser or with cryotherapy within 48-72 h after the diagnosis. The intervention was performed under general anaesthesia under the direct visual control of the RetCam 3. The CALCR technique was used in all 23 infants (46 eyes) diagnosed with high-risk prethreshold ROP. The average age of these infants at the time of the intervention was the 38(th) week of PCA. None of the infants had any serious complications during the CALCR procedure. In contrast to the traditional technique, CALCR offers many benefits: the image of the retina is real, magnified and not inverted, it shows details of the retina in a high resolution, photo and video documentation is available. Therefore the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative condition of the retina can be precisely evaluated and compared on a fully standardized basis. The CALCR procedure represents a new technique providing greater accuracy when targeting the avascular part of the retina, enables better visualisation and more precise treatment, and reduces the risk of unintended damage to healthy retinal tissue.
Highlights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was first described in 1942 by Terry as greyish - white opaque retrolental membranes
According to the ETROP study, cryotherapy and laser therapy of the peripheral avascular part of the retina are recommended as a standard treatment for Type 1 ROP
Laser therapy of the avascular part of the retina over a 360-degree range or cryotherapy under the direct visual control of an indirect ophthalmoscope are recommended as up-to-date techniques[5,6,7]
Summary
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was first described in 1942 by Terry as greyish - white opaque retrolental membranes (retrolental fibroplasia). He assumed that the cause was a proliferation of the embryonic hyaloid system[1]. According to the ETROP study, cryotherapy and laser therapy of the peripheral avascular part of the retina are recommended as a standard treatment for Type 1 ROP. When the early stages of ROP with high risks are diagnosed, prompt treatment within 48-72 h is indicated. Laser therapy of the avascular part of the retina over a 360-degree range or cryotherapy under the direct visual control of an indirect ophthalmoscope are recommended as up-to-date techniques[5,6,7]. The efficacy of laser photocoagulation or the combination of cryotherapy and photocoagulation is about 80% in terms of anatomical success and about 75% in terms of functional success[5,6,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
