Late visual field changes following cryotherapy for retinopathy of prematurity stage 3.

AIMS The correlation between cryoscars and visual field defects following cryoablation was studied. METHODS A Humphrey 120 full field screening test was performed in 10 children (15 eyes) who were treated by cryotherapy between 10 and 14 years previously for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) stage 3. RESULTS In eight eyes treated by cryoablation through 360 degrees in zone I or II, a moderate circumferential peripheral visual field constriction was found. In seven other eyes, cryotreated up to 180 degrees only in the temporal retina (zone III), a nasal field constriction was noted. There was no evidence of late development of retinal tears or retinal detachment. The correlation between the primary cryoapplications, late chorioretinal cryoscars, and the visual field changes was evaluated. CONCLUSION Late chorioretinal scars following cryotherapy for ROP stage 3 are associated with visual field defects, but as these defects are at the periphery of the visual field they do not cause any subjective derangements 10-14 years after treatment.