Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate the effects of micropulse laser treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: Prospective, non–randomized, IRB approved pilot study measuring changes in ETDRS vision, fluorescein leakage, and OCT thickness following micropulse laser for persistent DME. Results: At 3 months after laser (n=12), mean vision improved by 4.3 letters and OCT thickness decreased by 77 microns. At 6 months (n=9), vision improved by 9 letters and OCT thickness decreased by 114 microns. Fluorescein leakage was minimally affected. Conclusions: Micropulse laser for DME appears to be effective in improving vision and reducing retinal thickness in this small pilot study. Larger randomized studies are indicated to compare micropulse to conventional continuous wave laser for DME.
Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • laser • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: treatment/prevention assessment/controlled clinical trials