PASCAL Laser Produces Less Pain Responses Compared to Conventional Laser System During the Panretinal Photocoagulation

Abstract

Background: Majority of patients experience pain during complete the panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). Laser photocoagulation delivery progressed with the introduction of pattern-scanning laser systems (PASCAL). Shorter pulse duration and choroidal penetration are believed to reduce pain during laser treatment. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess pain response in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) who underwent either PASCAL or conventional laser. Subjects and Methods: Eighty eyes with newly diagnosed proliferative diabetic retinopathy were randomly divided in to two groups each composed of 40 eyes: group (A) in which patients were received standard argon laser panretinal photocoagulation and group (B) in which patients were received pattern scan multispot panretinal photocoagulation. Results: Mean pain scores were 0.515 ±0. 834 in the PASCAL laser and 0.128 ±...1 in the conventional laser group. Numerical pain score was statistically significant higher in conventional group than in PASCAL group (p<0.001). Conclusion: It could be concluded that pattern scan multispot laser PRP was associated with more patient comfort compared to conventional PRP.