Treatment of diabetic macular edema with micropulse laser therapy

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of Micropulse Laser Therapy (MP) in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME).MethodsForty eyes from 25 patients with clinically significant DME were included in the study. We used MP as first‐line therapy in cases of diffuse DME if central macular thickness (CMT) was < 300 μm.However, if DME was diffuse and CMT was >400 μm, we began anti‐VEGF therapy to reduce CMT and improve vision as quickly as possible.We started with MP also in patients who refused intravitreal anti‐VEGF injections, whom compromised systemically or those for whom they are not effective.Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were measured before, 3, 6 and 12 months after intervention, and the results were compared.ResultsMean age of our patients was 60,1 years. Mean BCVA was 0.67 ± 0.37 Logmar before treatment.After three months of MP, it improved to de 0.55 ± 0.4, p = 0.024. CMT was 511.79 μm, and improved to 481.8 μm (p: 0.055) at 3 month after treatment and to 410 μm at 6 months (p: 0.004) and 257.21 μm at 12 months (p = 0.002).OCT detected early retinal reflectivity changes after treatment. All patients reported subjective improvement. No adverse events were observed during follow‐upConclusionsIn this study, MP laser seems to be an effective laser to treat DME.Its attractive safety profile allows clinicians to offer earlier treatment to prevent tissue damage and the development of visual disability.