Abstract
Purpose:
To present the early functional and anatomical outcomes of 93 eyes of 86 patients that presented with CSDME and were treated with subthreshold micropulse 577 nm laser photostimulation.<br />
Methods:
Consecutive case series of patients that presented from November 2013 through November 2014. Patients were divided into two groups: a) with central macular thickness (CMT) ≤ 400 μm and b) with CMT ˃ 400 μm at baseline. Laser photostimulation was performed with a 577 nm laser in the micropulse delivery mode in a sub-visible-threshold manner, with no signs of laser impacts discernable during treatment and at any time post-operatively. Measurable outcome variables were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and CMT. Mean follow-up was 9 months (6-12 mo)<br /> <br />
Results:
The mean BCVA in group with CMT <400 um was 0,55 +/-0,19 before treatment and 0,58 +/-0,19 after treatment. Mean CMT before treatment was 335,6 +/- 43,4 um and 320 +/- 86,7 um after treatment. Considering visual outcomes, in this group 13 eyes had a gain of 5 letters, 6>10 letters, 22 were stable and 9 had a loss of >5 letters, none >10 letters. The mean BCVA in group >400 um was 0,45 +/-0,22 before treatment and 0,45 +/- 0,23 after treatment. Mean CMT was 466,9 +/- 53 um before treatment and 403,7 +/- 111 um after treatment. Considering visual outcomes in this group, 15 eyes had a mean gain >10, 5>10 letters letters, 11 remained stable and 8 had a loss of >5 letters, none >10 letters.<br />
Conclusions:
Laser photostimulation with the 577 nm yellow laser in the micropulse emission mode appear to be safe and effective in stabilizing / improving BCVA and in reducing / eliminating DME without causing retinal scars and virtually with no collateral effects.<br /> <br />