Anatomical and functional results of intravitreal aflibercept monotherapy for type 1 retinopathy of prematurity: One-year outcomes

Purpose:To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity 1 year after the intravitreal injection of aflibercept (IVA).Methods:This prospective cohort study enrolled Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity patients who had been treated with IVA as first-line therapy from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2017. Patients were followed up for at least 1 year after injection. The primary outcomes were retinopathy of prematurity regression, progression, reactivation, and the occurrence of associated complications after the use of IVA. The secondary outcomes were visual acuity and refractive error at 1 year after IVA.Results:Seventeen eyes of nine patients were enrolled in our study. A single IVA injection resulted in resolution in 15 eyes (88.2%), whereas 2 eyes (11.8%) needed retreatment. The mean Snellen visual acuity and refractive error were 6/13 ± 0.34 and -1.94 ± 2.97 D, respectively. No major ocular complications or systemic adverse effects were noted during the follow-up period, except one patient (11%) passed away at the age of 14 months due to a pulmonary infection.Conclusion:Aflibercept is effective and well tolerated for the treatment of Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity; it is a potential treatment option as it achieves good anatomical, visual, and refractive outcomes.