Role of intravenous fluorescein angiography in early detection and regression of retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract

Purpose: To study the role of intravenous fluorescein angiography in early detection and regression of retinopathy of prematurity.

Methods: The Retcam 120 (Massie Research Laboratories, Dublin, CA) was used to perform intravenous fluorescein angiography in 40 eyes of 20 children diagnosed as having treatable retinopathy of prematurity as per Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity Cooperative Group guidelines and treated with laser photocoagulation.

Results: Fluorescein angiography enabled easy visualization of the retinal vasculature and helped to identify early flat neovascularization in zone 1/2 retinopathy of prematurity, detect previously missed areas of active retinopathy of prematurity in the peripheral retina, and identify skip areas following laser photocoagulation, which resulted in good management outcomes. There were no side effects related to sodium fluorescein or the procedure.

Conclusions: Retcam-assisted intravenous fluorescein angiography is safe and helps in the early diagnosis, prompt management, and complete regression of retinopathy of prematurity.