DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2025.v13i07.020

Pages: 1469-1474

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness, particularly in preterm infants. Panretinal photocoagulation using Nd: YAG laser has long been a standard treatment, though associated with complications such as myopia and retinal scarring. Intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), an anti-VEGF agent, offers a newer alternative with potential benefits and risks. This study aimed to compare treatment outcomes between intravitreal bevacizumab and Nd: YAG laser in infants with type 1 and aggressive posterior ROP. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Vitreo-Retina and Pediatric Ophthalmology of the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital, and in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCABU) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Bangladesh, from January to December 2018. A total of 61 infants (122 eyes) with type 1 or AP-ROP were treated with either IVB or Nd: YAG laser. Data on regression rates and treatment-related complications were collected and analyzed using SPSS v20, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Retinopathy regression occurred in 82.8% of IVB-treated eyes and 90.6% of laser-treated eyes (p = 0.826). Vitreous hemorrhage was noted in 18.2% of IVB cases and 28.2% of laser cases (p = 0.672), while tractional retinal detachment occurred in 18% of IVB-treated eyes and 24.7% of laser-treated eyes (p = 0.556). No cases of endophthalmitis were observed in either group. Conclusion: Both IVB and Nd: YAG lasers are effective for ROP treatment with low complication rates. Treatment choice should consider clinical context, resource availability, and follow-up capacity.