Efficacy of various laser wavelengths in the treatment of clinically significant macular edema in diabetics.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To compare various laser wavelengths: argon green (514 nm), vs krypton red (647 nm), vs frequency doubled Nd:YAG (532 nm), and vs diode (810 nm), for laser photocoagulation treatment in clinically significant macular edema (CSME) in diabetics.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Four different wavelengths were used to sequentially treat 271 eyes of 164 diabetic patients with CSME. Follow up was conducted for a minimum of 6 months (9.8 +/- 1.3 months). Retreatment was performed if residual edema involving the foveal avascular zone persisted at 3 months.

RESULTS:

Reduction/elimination of CSME was observed in 93.3% of argon-treated eyes, 88.5% in krypton red group, 92.9% with frequency doubled Nd:YAG, and 84.8% with diode laser with no statistically significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05 for all groups). The number of eyes requiring retreatment was highest with the diode laser having 44.3% of eyes requiring retreatment and least with frequency doubled Nd:YAG having only 15.5% of eyes requiring retreatment (P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS:

All lasers are equally effective in reducing/eliminating CSME. However, Nd:YAG may have an advantage because of requiring fewer retreatments.

• Authors: V Gupta, A Gupta, R Kaur, S Narang, M R Dogra
• Journal: Ophthalmic surgery and lasers (Ophthalmic Surg Lasers) 2001 Sep-Oct Vol. 32 Issue 5 Pg. 397-405 ISSN: 1082-3069 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11563784 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 (complications)
• Female
• Fluorescein Angiography
• Follow-Up Studies
• Fundus Oculi
• Humans
• Laser Coagulation (methods)
• Macular Edema (etiology, surgery)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Reoperation
• Treatment Outcome
• Visual Acuity