Double-frequency Nd:YAG laser vs. argon-green laser in the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy: randomized study with long-term follow-up.
OBJECTIVE
A randomized clinical trial using the argon-green (514 nm) and the double-frequency Nd:YAG (532 nm) lasers was carried out on 42 eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), with the aim of assessing the long-term effects of double-frequency Nd:YAG panretinal photocoagulation (PRP).


METHODS
Twenty-one eyes were randomized to argon laser treatment (ALT) and 21 to double-frequency Nd:YAG laser treatment (NdLT). The mean follow-up was 28.90 months (+/- 6.13) in the ALT group and 29.57 months (+/- 5.17) in the NdLT group.


RESULTS
In the ALT group, 20 eyes (95.2%) showed regression of PDR and one eye (4.8%) enlargement of pre-existing new vessels. In the NdLT group, neovascularization regressed in 20 eyes (95.2%) and increased in one (4.8%).


CONCLUSIONS
The long-term efficacy of double-frequency Nd: YAG laser PRP in the treatment of PDR thus appears to be similar to that of argon-green.
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Scientific Institute H.S. Raffaele, University of Milano, Italy.
F
F
Bandello
R
R
Brancato
R
R
Lattanzio
G
G
Trabucchi
C
C
Azzolini
A
A
Malegori
D000328:Adult; D001128:Argon; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009354:Neodymium; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D013997:Time Factors
D009354:Neodymium; D001128:Argon