Role of LASERS in stage 4A retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

To study the anatomical success rate of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (LASERS) as first line of management in stage 4A retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Observational, prospective case series of 14 eyes of 7 babies (males: 3, females: 4) with stage 4A ROP who underwent LASERS for stage 4A between January 2018 and July 2019. Gestation age (GA), birth weight (BW), and post-menstrual age (PMA) at which laser was done were noted in all cases. A number of clock hours of detachment at the time of presentation were noted in all babies. All babies were followed up up to 6 months after laser for any recurrence. Success was defined as complete regression of disease without the need of any other modality of treatment like anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) or pars plana vitrectomy. A total of 92.85% (13/14) showed complete regression of disease. One eye progressed to stage 4B ROP warranting lens-sparing vitrectomy (LSV). LASERS is an effective method of management without any need of anti-VEGF or surgical intervention even in babies with stage 4A ROP.