Treating ROP: how and when

Laser treatment The mainstay of treatment for severe ROP is peripheral retinal photocoagulation, delivered by laser. Only the avascular retinal periphery should be treated. The laser burns should be light and almost confluent (Figure 1). Laser treatment requires a trained and highly skilled ophthalmologist. Treatment is painful and should be given under topical anaesthesia with or without sedation, or under general anaesthesia. It is essential that the infant is monitored closely during treatment. A neonatologist or trained neonatal nurse must be present.