Optimization of navigation laser coagulation technology of the retina for active retinopathy of prematurity

Purpose. To optimize the stages of navigation laser coagulation technology of the retina for its implementation in active retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), taking into account the anatomical and topographical features of the disease. Material and methods. Transpupillary navigation laser coagulation of the avascular retina was performed on 28 eyes of children with an unfavorable type of active ROP. Of these children, 17 are with stage 2 and 11 are with stage 3 of the disease. Laser coagulation of the avascular retina was performed using a Navilas 577s laser system (OD-OS, Germany). To realize the possibility of performing navigational laser coagulation of the retina in children with ROP, the technology was optimized at 3 stages: photo registration, planning and laser treatment itself. Results. The optimization of the main stages of navigational laser coagulation of the retina (photo registration, planning, treatment) in children with active ROP made it possible to fully realize the advantages of the Navilas 577s laser system: an individual treatment plan taking into account the area and configuration of the avascular zone in each specific case, automatic execution laser coagulation of the retina with absolute adherence to the principle of hexagonality (equidistance) of spots throughout the laser exposure zone, high positioning accuracy and safety of application due to an automatic tracking system for the patient’s eye movement, maximum speed and minimum duration of coagulation. Conclusion. Obtained results demonstrate the possibility of automating laser treatment in the avascular zone of the retina, regardless of its area, with the full implementation of the advantages of navigational laser coagulation of the retina. This opens up prospects for application of this technology in children with active stages of ROP in wide clinical practice. Key words: retinopathy of prematurity, navigation laser coagulation of the retina, optimization