The aim of this study was to analyze treatment and outcomes in children with glaucoma secondary to diode laser photocoagulation in retinopathy of prematurity.

Methods: The group of 1507 newborns, examined as outpatients between 2008 and 2013, were retrospectively analyzed. Five patients (0.3%) (nine eyes) with glaucoma following laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity were identified. Demographic and clinical data was obtained from medical records and compared with corresponding results in the group of glaucoma-free children subjected to diode laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity. The statistical analysis included Shapiro-Wilk test and U-Mann-Whitney test with statistical significance level p < 0.05.

Results: The following data was collected - mean post-menstrual age at the moment of photocoagulationwas 42 Hbd (38-42) and it was 49.9 (43-54) weeks at the moment of diagnosis of angle-closure glaucoma. The intraocular pressure was significantly elevated in nine in ten eyes which was confirmed objectively and the mean intraocular pressure was 32.0 mmHg (21.6-42.4). The mean corneal diameter was 11.25 mm (10-13) and it was associated with the decreased corneal thickness in pachymetry (p < 0.05). Six eyes (66.6%) required surgical intervention and intraocular pressure normalization was achieved in all patients. Additionally, the affected eyes tended to be myopic (mean spherical equivalent -1.625 diopter) and have a greater axial length (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Secondary glaucoma can develop following laser treatment for severe retinopathy of prematurity. Topical treatment and surgical intervention provide effective management.