Does anti-VEGF treatment cause less nearsightedness compared to laser surgery for retinopathy of prematurity?
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) often leads to nearsightedness, or myopia, later in life. Research comparing different treatments shows that anti-VEGF injections generally cause less nearsightedness than laser surgery. A 2019 meta-analysis found that children treated with anti-VEGF had significantly less myopia and a lower risk of high myopia compared to those treated with laser 5.
What the research says
The 2025 analysis also noted that while heterogeneity existed between studies, the overall trend favored anti-VEGF for better refractive outcomes 1. Other studies have looked at different treatments like IGF-1, but the direct comparison between anti-VEGF and laser consistently points to better visual outcomes with the injection therapy 35.
What to ask your doctor
- What are the long-term refractive outcomes for my child after anti-VEGF versus laser treatment?
- How does the risk of high myopia differ between these two treatment options?
- Are there specific follow-up eye exams needed to monitor nearsightedness development?
- What factors influence the choice between anti-VEGF and laser for my child's specific case?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about this topic and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.