Frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of exudative diabetic maculopathy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the clinical efficacy of frequency-doubled Nd:YAG (FD YAG) laser for the treatment of diabetic clinically significant macular oedema (CSMO).


METHODS
A prospective pilot study was carried out on 55 eyes with CSMO. FD YAG laser exposures were applied in a focal or grid pattern. The results were evaluated by Snellen visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, colour photography and fundus fluorescein angiography.


RESULTS
At mean review of 5.3 months, macular oedema had resolved either completely or partly in 44 (80%) eyes, was unchanged in 10 (18%) eyes and progressed in 1 (2%) eye. Visual acuity improved in 11 (20%), stabilised in 40 (73%) and deteriorated in 4 (7%) eyes.


CONCLUSIONS
FD YAG laser therapy is effective in the treatment of CSMO. It combines the ergonomic advantages of a solid-state laser with the benefits of its wavelength. A comparison between the clinical results of FD YAG and other lasers used in the treatment of CSMO is, however, required.
Saeed
M
M
Ophthalmology Department, King's College Hospital, London, UK. manzarsaeed@hotmail.com
Parmar
D
D
McHugh
D
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity