ArticleInternational journal of retina and vitreous2026
Anti-VEGF versus laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity: a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on recurrence patterns and retreatment needs.
Article in International journal of retina and vitreous, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Anti-VEGF versus laser photocoagulation for ROP treatment.Bioinformation · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundRetinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy offers an alternative to laser photocoagulation, recurrence, and retreatment, particularly in Zone II disease.
methodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published from 2010 to 2025 comparing anti-VEGF agents (bevacizumab, ranibizumab, aflibercept) with laser therapy in preterm infants with treatment-requiring ROP. Primary outcomes were recurrence and retreatment; secondary outcomes included time to recurrence, structural, and refractive outcomes. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE.
resultsFifteen studies with 1,784 eyes were included. Pooled recurrence (RR 1.78, 95% CI: 0.56–5.65) and retreatment rates (RR 1.80, 95% CI: 0.54–5.94) showed no statistically significant differences, with substantial heterogeneity (I²>80%). Subgroup analysis showed lower recurrence in Zone I (RR 0.52) but higher recurrence in Zone II (RR 3.42) following anti-VEGF therapy. Ranibizumab was associated with higher recurrence compared to other agents. After anti-VEGF therapy, recurrence occurred variably between 7 and 50 + weeks of post-treatment. GRADE assessment indicated low certainty for recurrence and retreatment, moderate for structural and refractive outcomes, and very low for neurodevelopmental safety.
conclusionAnti-VEGF therapy is effective for Zone I ROP, but Zone II treatment requires careful monitoring due to higher recurrence and retreatment risk. Standardized protocols and extended follow-up are essential, and further high-quality studies are needed to optimize ROP management.
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