The range of wavelengths used in ophthalmic
photocoagulation treatment has been greatly enlarged by the development of the
dye laser. To investigate the efficacy and possible side effects of orange
dye laser light in the treatment of
diabetic retinopathy, we performed a prospective, controlled clinical study comparing
argon blue-green and orange
dye laser light. In 14 patients with
diabetic retinopathy of equal severity in both eyes one eye was randomly assigned to either blue-green
argon (488 and 514.5 nm) or orange
dye (600 nm) panretinal
laser treatment. The total coagulated area was the same in both eyes. Subjective parameters (visual acuity, perimetry, color vision) as well as objective functions (electroretinography, electro-oculography) and the
clinical course were studied preoperatively and then postoperatively over a period of 6 months.
Dye laser coagulation proved as effective and safe as blue-green
argon laser coagulation in the panretinal treatment of
diabetic retinopathy. No significant differences in postoperative
retinal function were detected. However, orange
laser coagulation proved significantly more painful than blue-green
argon laser treatment (P = 0.002).