Abstract
Purpose: :
An interventional case-series to evaluate the comfort and clinical efficacy of the new panretinal Navilas photocoagulation in treating high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).
Methods: :
Thirty consecutive eyes of 30 patients with high-risk PDR were treated with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) using the Navilas photocoagulation system (532nm laser). Spot size, ablated area, uniformity of the laser spots, duration of treatment and patient comfort were assessed during the procedure. Regression of neovascularization was evaluated at 3 months after the first laser procedure.
Results: :
In newly diagnosed PDR, eyes received an average of 1,590 laser spots (1,203-1,731) in 4 quadrants in one single session. The average power intensity used was 258mW at 30ms pulse duration using 300 microns spot size. Laser uptake was consistent across the quadrants. Average procedure time was 7 minutes when using the pattern scan mode. Visibility of the retina was superior under infrared mode in eyes with vitreous hemorrhage. There were no complications during or after the laser treatment. After 1 to 2 treatments, regression of neovascularization was observed in 100% of patients within 3 months after the initial treatment.
Conclusions: :
Panretinal photocoagulation using Navilas is safe, well tolerated and achieves a high rate of clinical efficacy measured by regression of PDR. Retina visibility was better under infrared mode than the conventional color view. Laser uptake was consistent across the retina and regression of neovascularization was observed in 100% of the treated cases.
Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • laser • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: systems/equipment/techniques