Laser photocoagulation for the treatment of bilateral late-onset retinopathy of prematurity-related retinal detachment in an adult male: A case report

RATIONALE: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the major leading causes of childhood visual morbidity worldwide. Retinal break and traction develop in regressed ROP can further result in rhegmatogenous or tractional retinal detachment years or even decades later. PATIENT CONCERNS: Here, we reported a case of bilateral ROP related late complication in a 36-year-old male with a chief complaint of increased floaters in his left eye. DIAGNOSES: The fundus examination showed demarcation lines over temporal side in both eyes with tractional retinal detachment and retinal breaks anterior to the lines. A diagnosis of ROP-related late complication of combined tractional and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was made. INTERVENTIONS: Peripheral laser photocoagulation along the demarcation lines for confining the detachment area in both eyes was performed with a stable condition during follow up. OUTCOMES: After laser retinopexy, the patient was followed up at one week and four months later with stable laser scars and without progression of the retinal detachments. CONCLUSION: Regressed ROP-associated retinal detachment can occur at any time during life. Special care and follow-up may be necessary for these patients.