Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Clinical Trial

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

Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network. Retina. 2009 Nov-Dec.

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.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest statement: None

References

    1. Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Research Group. Treatment techniques and clinical guidelines for photocoagulation of diabetic macular edema. Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study report number 2. Ophthalmology. 1987;94(7):761–774. - PubMed
    1. Schatz H, Madeira D, McDonald HR, Johnson RN. Progressive enlargement of laser scars following grid laser photocoagulation for diffuse diabetic macular edema. Arch Ophthalmol. 1991;109(11):1549–1551. - PubMed
    1. Han DP, Mieler WF, Burton TC. Submacular fibrosis after photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema. Am J Ophthalmol. 1992;113(5):513–521. - PubMed
    1. Guyer DR, D'Amico DJ, Smith CW. Subretinal fibrosis after laser photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema. Am J Ophthalmol. 1992;113(6):652–656. - PubMed
    1. Akduman L, Olk RJ. Subthreshold (invisible) modified grid diode laser photocoagulation in diffuse diabetic macular edema (DDME) Ophthalmic Surg Lasers. 1999;30(9):706–714. - PubMed

Publication types