Subthreshold micropulse diode laser photocoagulation for clinically significant diabetic macular oedema: a three-year follow up.
OBJECTIVE
To report the long-term visual outcome of subthreshold micropulse diode laser photocoagulation for clinically significant diffuse diabetic macular oedema (CSME).


METHODS
Non-comparative case-series.


METHODS
The main outcome measures of this 3-year follow-up study of infrared (810 nm) subthreshold diode micropulse laser photocoagulation for CSME were visual outcome and the angiographic CSME status of 19 patients (25 eyes).


RESULTS
Visual acuity stabilized or improved in 84% of treated eyes by the end of the first year. The result was maintained in the second year and by the third year, 92% maintained vision. However, more patients needed supplementary grid laser in the third year than in the second year. CSME decreased in 92% of the eyes and resolved in 88% in the first year. By the second year, 92% showed complete resolution. However, in the third year, recurrent CSME was noted in 28% of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has the longest follow up reported so far and demonstrating that subthreshold micropulse diode laser photocoagulation has a beneficial long-term effect on visual acuity and resolution of CSME with minimal chorio-retinal damage.
Sivaprasad
Sobha
S
Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK.
Sandhu
Ranjit
R
Tandon
Anamika
A
Sayed-Ahmed
Khalid
K
McHugh
Dominic A
DA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000379:methods*; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity