The course of response to focal/grid photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether eyes with center-involved diabetic macular edema, treated with focal/grid photocoagulation, in which there is a reduction in central subfield thickness (CST) measured with optical coherence tomography after 16 weeks, will continue to improve if retreatment is deferred.

METHODS:

This is a prospective, multicenter, observational, single-group focal/grid photocoagulation study of 122 eyes with center-involved diabetic macular edema (optical coherence tomography CST > or =250 microm). At the 16-week visit and continuing every 8 weeks, eyes were assessed for retreatment and additional laser treatment was deferred if the visual acuity letter score improved > or =5 letters or optical coherence tomography CST decreased > or =10% compared with the visit 16 weeks prior.

RESULTS:

Of the 115 eyes that completed the 16-week visit, 54 (47%) had a decrease in CST by > or =10% compared with baseline. Of these, 26 (48%) had a CST > or =250 microm at 16 weeks and were evaluable at 32 weeks. Eleven (42%; 95% confidence interval, 23-63%) of the 26 eyes had a further decrease in CST > or =10% from 16 weeks to 32 weeks without further treatment.

CONCLUSION:

Sixteen weeks after focal/grid laser for diabetic macular edema in eyes with a definite reduction, but not resolution, of central edema, 23% to 63% likely will continue to improve without additional treatment.

• Authors: Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network
• Journal: Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.) (Retina) 2009 Nov-Dec Vol. 29 Issue 10 Pg. 1436-43 ISSN: 1539-2864 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19898182 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural)

Topics

• Aged
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 (complications)
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 (complications)
• Diabetic Retinopathy (physiopathology, surgery)
• Female
• Fluorescein Angiography
• Humans
• Laser Coagulation (methods)
• Macular Edema (physiopathology, surgery)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Retreatment
• Tomography, Optical Coherence
• Treatment Outcome
• Visual Acuity (physiology)