Factors affecting focal/grid laser photocoagulation in diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

Focal/grid laser photocoagulation is associated with a reduction in the risk of moderate vision loss. The efficacy of focal/grid laser photocoagulation is dependent on a number of different factors, such as baseline visual acuity. However, the relationship between efficacy of focal/grid laser photocoagulation and other factors, such as the different types of diabetic macular edema, are still unclear and further clarity needs to be ascertained from carefully designed trials in the future. Since focal/grid laser photocoagulation often requires repeated treatments and each treatment carries additional risks of side effects, detailed knowledge of which specific characteristics carry better prognostic value would be essential in the assessment of benefit-to-risk ratio in the management of patients with diabetic macular edema. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on factors affecting efficacy and limitations of focal/grid laser photocoagulation treatment in patients with diabetic macular edema.