Photocoagulation Treatment Research Articles

Immunogammopathy maculopathy associated with Waldenström macroglobulinemia is refractory to conventional interventions for macular edema.

To describe immunogammopathy maculopathy in the setting of Waldenström macroglobulinemia and its lack of response to ocular treatment. Case report of a 65-year-old male patient who presented with a 4-month history of progressive vision loss in the left eye. Initial ophthalmic examination showed bilateral central retinal vein occlusion with macular edema, including serous macular detachment in the left eye. Serum protein electrophoresis revealed elevated IgM levels, leading to a diagnosis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia. The patient underwent plasmapheresis and systemic chemotherapy with improvement of hyperviscosity retinopathy. However, the macular detachment and edema in the left eye persisted despite repeated intravitreal injections of bevacizumab. Panretinal photocoagulation and intravitreal corticosteroid treatment were also unsuccessful in reversing the maculopathy. A diagnosis of immunogammopathy maculopathy was made, and partial improvement was seen over time after the treatment of Waldenström macroglobulinemia. In the setting of systemic immunogammopathy, conventional treatments for macular edema, including intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents and corticosteroids, may be ineffective. Ocular involvement responds to systemic chemotherapy and plasmapheresis directed against the underlying hematologic malignancy, although this response may be slow and incomplete.

Comparison between fundus autofluorescence images and color fundus photos in patients with late dry age-related macular degeneration

Purpose: The purpose was to compare between color fundus photography (CFP) images and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) images of cases with geographical atrophy (GA) about size. To evaluate the relation between different phenotypes of FAF changes and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in cases with late dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (GA). Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 18 eyes of 18 patients aged 55 years. Patients unwilling to participate in the study, suffering from hereditary fundus diseases, had previous laser photocoagulation treatment for any cause, were excluded. BCVA using Snellen chart was measured. Retinal imaging including CFP with 50° field camera: Topcon TRC-50 IX - and FAF using spectralis Heidelberg retinal angiograph (HRA) + optical coherence tomography (HRA, Heidelberg Engineering, Germany) were done. All images were optimized and then manually measured using image analysis software (Adobe Photoshop version CS6; Inc., San Jose, California, USA). Images of fundus autofluorescence in cases of late dry AMD were classified to phenotypes at the junctional zone according to the classification of abnormal FAF patterns. Results: According to sex distribution, 33.3% (6 eyes) were males and 66.7% (12 eyes) were females . The mean age of the study participants was 72.89 ± 9.09 years. About surface area of GA, the mean surface area of GA by FAF was 71094.56 ± 21490.53 pixels and by color fundus camera were 46236.56 ± 13153.46 pixels. About FAF phenotypes in late dry AMD cases, Twelve eyes (66.7%) had diffuse pattern, 11.1% (2 eyes) had a none pattern (no specific pattern), and 22.2% (4 eyes) had focal pattern. Color fundus camera underestimated the surface area of GA in cases of late dry AMD. BCVA was best in cases with no specific pattern of autofluorescence at the junctional zone of the GA, followed by cases with focal pattern of hyperautofluorescence while cases with diffuse increases of autofluorescence at the junctional zone showed the worst VA. Conclusions: CFP underestimated the size of the GA, as compared with FAF measured sizes. BCVA was best in cases with no specific pattern of autofluorescence at the junctional zone of the GA, followed by cases with focal pattern of hyperautofluorescence while cases with diffuse increases of autofluorescence at the junctional zone showed the worst VA.

Navigated Laser Therapy for Diabetic Macular Oedema

Navigated laser therapy introduces computerised assistance systems to retinal laser photocoagulation treatment. As main benefits over conventional laser, the Navilas system offers high precision and safety and provides additional advantages regarding standardisation of planning, execution, documentation, quality assurance and better overall treatment comfort for the patient. Navigated laser therapy is being used with good success in the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DMO), retinal vein occlusions (RVO) and fast-pattern navigated panretinal photocoagulation in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). In centre-involving DMO, a combination of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and macular laser may provide advantages over anti-VEGF monotherapy. In terms of navigated laser therapy, recent study data from our clinic and other institutions indicate that combined initial anti-VEGF and navigated macular laser therapy allows treatment success to be achieved and maintained with a significantly reduced number of interventions.

Tear fluid vascular endothelial growth factor level as a marker of effectiveness of proliferative diabetic retinopathy combined treatment

Aim. To assess the tear fluid level of vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy in case of panretinal photocoagulation and intravitreal ranibizumab treatment. Methods. Panretinal photocoagulation was performed in 20 patients (40 eyes) with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (first group). In the second group, which included 20 patients (40 eyes) with the same stage of diabetic retinopathy, panretinal photocoagulation was combined with intravitreal ranibizumab treatment. 20 healthy subjects (40 eyes) were examined as a contol group. There were no adverse events registered during the treatment. At the follow-up, 4 patients from the first group were diagnosed with partial intraocular hemorrhage; a posterior vitrectomy was required in 1 eye, in 3 eyes intraocular hemorrhage has resolved spontaneously. A complex of clinical and laboratory examinations included visual acuity testing, biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy using Mainster wide field lens, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, tear fluid ELISA. Results. There was a complete regression of retinal neovascularization (no blood flow in newly grown blood vessels) in 14 (35%) eyes of patients from the first group after the first procedure. In the second group a complete regression of retinal neovascularization was observed in 100% of cases after the first procedure. The tear fluid level of vascular endothelial growth factor increased from 398.6±112.2 to 668.2±102.2 pg/ml (p 0.05) in 40 (100%) eyes of patients from the first group, in the second group the level of vascular endothelial growth factor decreased after the angiogenesis inhibitor injections in 40 eyes (100%) from 332.1±98.2 до 314.6±44.4 pg/ml (p 0.05). 1 month after treatment the visual acuity in the first group the visual acuity improved in 40% of cases (16 eyes), was stable in 45% (18 eyes), decreased in 15% (6 eyes) with the mean value changed from 0.22±0.12 to 0.24±0.08 (p 0.05); in the second group the visual acuity improved in 40% of cases (16 eyes), was stable in 45% (18 eyes), decreased in 15% (6 eyes) with the mean value changed from 0.22±0.12 to 0.24±0.08 (p 0.05). Conclusion. The use of panretinal photocoagulation combined with intravitreal ranibizumab treatment in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy decreases the tear fluid vascular endothelial growth factor level, improves the visual acuity and thickness of the retina. There was a marked and prolonged effect after the combined treatment, that allows to recommend this treatment method to all patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Ultrasound-Guided Interstitial Laser Ablation for Thyroid Nodules Is Effective Only at High Total Amounts of Energy

According to cross-sectional surveys, the prevalence of nontoxic nodular goiter appears to be higher in the adult population. Surgical intervention is indicated for the following: (a) progressive goiter growth, (b) compression of organs such as the trachea and esophagus, and (c) significant aesthetic disfigurement. Ultrasound-guided laser photocoagulation for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules is a viable alternative to traditional surgery. However, studies that have appeared in literature since the introduction of ultrasound-guided laser photocoagulation for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules report contradictory data concerning the energy required for nodule ablation. The aim of the present trial was to evaluate retrospectively the efficacy of percutaneous laser thermal ablation in 2 groups of patients, one treated with low, and the other with high, total amount of energy. Forty euthyroid patients were treated with 1 session of percutaneous laser photocoagulation treatment at low (median = 71 J/mL; 20 patients) and high (median = 578 J/mL; 20 patients) energy. The volume of the nodules was measured by the same investigator, blinded for treatment, using the ellipsoid formula before treatment, at 2, 4, 8, and 30 weeks, and every 6 months for 3 years thereafter. Thyroid nodule ablation is effective over time only if a sufficient amount of energy (>400-500 J/mL for the nodular tissue to be treated) is given, although it incurs proportionate side effects. Percutaneous laser thermal ablation is a viable alternative to traditional surgery for the treatment of benign nodular thyroid disease only if a sufficient amount of energy is delivered.

Variability in photocoagulation treatment of diabetic macular oedema

To establish whether differences in the assessment of diabetic macular oedema (DME) with either optical coherence tomography (OCT) or stereoscopic biomicroscopy lead to variability in the photocoagulation treatment of DME. The differences in the assessment of DME with either OCT or stereoscopic biomicroscopy were analysed by calculating the surface areas and the overlap of retinal thickening. Photocoagulation treatment plans of retinal specialists were compared by evaluating the number and location of planned laser spots. The threshold for and dosage of photocoagulation differ depending upon whether the basis of retinal thickness diagnosis is clinical observation or OCT. The overlap in laser spot location based on the assessment of DME with OCT or biomicroscopy averages 51%. Among retinal specialists, the treatment plans differed in the laser spot count by six- to 11-fold. Diabetic macular oedema photocoagulation treatment threshold and dosage of laser spots differ depending on whether thickness assessments are based on stereoscopic slit-lamp biomicroscopy or OCT. In addition, retinal specialists differed in the number and placement of planned laser spots even when given identical information concerning DME and treatable lesions. This variability in the photocoagulation treatment of DME could lead to differences in patient outcome and laser study results.

IVTA as Adjunctive Treatment to PRP and MPC for PDR and Macular Edema: A Meta-Analysis

BackgroundTo quantify the effect of a combination treatment of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) injection, panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), and macular photocoagulation (MPC) in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and diabetic macular edema (DME).Methodology/Principal FindingsWe conducted a meta-analysis and searched for reports concerning IVTA injection combined with PRP for the treatment of PDR and DME using Medline, EMbase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Google according to Cochrane evaluation guidelines. The quality of the reports was evaluated using the Jadad score. Only four studies were ultimately included in this meta-analysis and the fixed-effects model was used. Treatment with IVTA injection combined with PRP and MPC significantly improved BCVA (p<0.001) from one to six months, compared with PRP and MPC alone. There was a statistically significant mean difference in central macular thickness (CMT), at the one-month follow-up (p<0.001). No evidence of publication bias was present. There was a low level of heterogeneity in this group of studies.Conclusions/SignificanceThis meta-analysis indicates that IVTA injection combined with PRP and MPC results in an improvement of BCVA, and CMT reduction in patients with PDR and DME.

Time required for navigated macular laser photocoagulation treatment with the Navilas®

Navilas laser is a novel technology combining photocoagulation with imaging, including fluorescein angiographic (FA) images which are annotated and aligned to a live fundus view. We determine the time necessary for planning and treatment of macular edema utilizing the Navilas. The screen recordings during treatments were retrospectively analyzed for treatment type, number of laser shots, the duration of planning (measured from the time the planning image was selected to time of marking the last planned treatment spot), and total time of laser application. A total of 93 treatments (30 grid, 30 focal and 33 combined treatments) by four physicians from three sites were included. An average of 125 spots were applied to each eye. The total time spent for each focal treatment - including the planning was 7 min 47 s (±3 min and 32 s). Navilas is a novel device providing a time efficient platform for evaluating FA images and performing threshold macular laser photocoagulation.

Study of krypton laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in a Guinea pig model of high anisometropia.

To investigate the association between high anisometropia and the area of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) induced by krypton laser in guinea pigs and better understand the pathogenesis and prevention of myopic CNV. Nine 3-week old male guinea pigs with anisometropia >6.00D were randomly assigned to three groups according to examination date after laser photocoagulation (7d, 14d and 28d). All animals underwent refraction. The eye with higher myopia was used as the experimental eye, and the other as the control eye. All eyes received repeated multi-wavelength krypton laser photocoagulation treatments (wavelength: 532nm; laser power: 400mW; spot diameter: 50μm; exposure time: 0.1s). Fundus photography and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were performed. Afterwards, the animals were sacrificed immediately, and the eyes were enucleated and processed for histopathologic examination and flat mounts. CNV appeared at 7d after laser treatment. The area of CNV peaked at 14d, and decrease in area and the presence of scarring was noted at 28 d. CNV was present in 66.7% of eyes by ICGA at 14 d. CNV could be observed under light microscopy at all three time points. At 14d, flat mount showed the neovascular plexus around the lesion. Semi-quantitative analysis revealed that the area of CNV in treated eyes was greater than that of control eyes. Since the mechanism of CNV in this study resembles that of CNV in pathological myopia, this model can be used to investigate the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of CNV in pathological myopia.

Intravitreal Ranibizumab versus Thermal Laser Photocoagulation in the Treatment of Extrafoveal Classic Choroidal Neovascularization Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Background: To compare the efficacy of thermal laser photocoagulation versus intravitreal ranibizumab for the treatment of extrafoveal classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 24 eyes with extrafoveal classic CNV secondary to AMD, treated either with thermal laser photocoagulation (group 1) or with intravitreal ranibizumab (group 2). Visual acuity, number of injections/sessions and recurrence rate were assessed. Results: The mean follow-up time was 23.6 ± 2.26 and 19.1 ± 9.74 months for group 1 and 2, respectively. Mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of groups 1 and 2 was 0.59 ± 0.32 and 0.46 ± 0.30 logMAR, respectively (p = 0.343). At the end of the follow-up, mean BCVA of group 1 was 0.92 ± 0.35 and of group 2 0.16 ± 0.12 logMAR and differed statistically compared to baseline (p = 0.02 and p = 0.006, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups as far as BCVA at the end of the follow-up was concerned (p < 0.0001). The patients in group 1 received on average 1.38 sessions of thermal laser photocoagulation, while patients in group 2 received on average 4 injections of ranibizumab. The recurrence rate in the laser group was 84.6%, while in the ranibizumab group it was 18.2% (p < 0.001). Specifically, the mean time of recurrence in the laser group was 11.5 months, whereas in the ranibizumab group it was 18 months (p = 0.048). Conclusion: Intravitreal ranibizumab showed promising results in BCVA improvement and decrease in macular thickness in patients with extrafoveal classic CNV due to AMD, with a small number of injections. Laser photocoagulation treatment presented worsening in BCVA and high recurrence rate in our study with long-term follow-up.

Ranibizumab for the treatment of visual impairment due to diabetic macular edema: evidence from recent clinical trials

Diabetic macular edema is the most common cause of visual impairment among diabetic patients. VEGF plays a major role in the pathogenesis of retinal edema in this context, as it induces angiogenesis and increases the permeability of retinal vessels. Inhibiting therapies are being studied, and ranibizumab – a recombinant humanized antibody fragment – has been approved for intravitreal use. Ranibizumab has been shown to improve functional and anatomical outcomes at 24 months, according to recent studies that compared it with standard focal/grid photocoagulation treatment, however, longer follow-up is needed to assess how this improvement is maintained over time. Guidelines for scheduled visits and retreatment have to be established to guarantee maximum effectiveness.

KRYPTON RED LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION OF THE OCULAR FUNDUS

The theoretical rationale, the histopathologic evidence, and the preliminary clinical studies related to krypton red laser (KRL) photocoagulation of the ocular fundus are reviewed. The authors report on their experience with currently available laser systems using this wavelength (647.1 nm) for photocoagulation of retinal vascular proliferative diseases and chorioretinal diseases associated with exudative manifestations. A histopathologic and clinical comparison of argon blue-green laser (ABGL), the pure argon green laser (AGL), and the krypton yellow laser (KYL), with reference to photocoagulation treatment of the ocular fundus is also discussed.

DIGITAL INDOCYANINE GREEN VIDEOANGIOGRAPHY AND CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION

This report describes a new system for digital indocyanine green videoangiography (ICGV) that provides enhanced imaging of the choroidal circulation. This newly assembled system was used to study a consecutive series of 129 patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and ill-defined or occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Overall, 39% of the patients in this study with occult CNV could be reclassified as having well-delineated or so-called classic CNV by virtue of the additional findings provided by ICGV. In this series, ICGV was particularly useful in identifying occult CNV in eyes with a large, serous pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and in eyes with recurrent CNV after previous laser photocoagulation treatment. Some of these patients were selected for laser photocoagulation of the abnormal choroidal vessels in order to evaluate the feasibility of this form of treatment on the basis of combined clinical, fluorescein angiographic, and ICGV findings. The results of this study suggest that ICGV is an important adjunct in the evaluation, classification, and laser treatment of patients with occult CNV secondary to AMD.

The past, present, and future of exudative age-related macular degeneration treatment

Treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration has been revolutionized within the last 6 years with the introduction of vascular endothelial growth factor neutralizing agents. Previously popular “destructive treatments,” such as laser photocoagulation and photodynamic treatment have either been abandoned or used as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy. Despite the increase in vision after antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, they require repetitive and costly intravitreal injections that also carry the inherit risks of infection, retinal tears, and detachment. Several new and more potent VEGF inhibitors are at different stages of development. The goal of evolving pharmacotherapy is to preserve the therapeutic effect while reducing or eliminating the discomfort of intravitreal drug delivery, as well as identify new therapeutic targets. Complement inhibitors, immunomodulators, integrin inhibitors are a few of the new class of drugs that are expected to be in our armamentarium soon. Current medications act to decrease leakage through abnormal subretinal choroidal vasculature and promote involution. However, these medications are only effective in treating the active stage of the choroidal neovascular membrane. Restoration of vision of a large number of patients with involuted choroidal neovascular membranes is warranted. For this purpose, tissue engineering techniques have been employed to reconstruct the subretinal anatomy. Discovery of biomarkers, pharmacogenetics, and very specific targeting holds the promise of increased potency and safety in the future.

Vitreomacular adhesion associated with foveal-sparing preretinal hemorrhage.

To report two cases of central macular sparing of subhyaloid hemorrhages secondary to vitreomacular adhesion documented by spectral-domain ocular coherence tomography findings. Review of two patients with subhyaloid hemorrhage secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy and a macroaneurysm were performed. Treatment was not performed in either patient for management of the hemorrhage, but the patient with proliferative diabetic retinopathy was treated with panretinal photocoagulation for peripheral neovascularization. Foveal sparing of the hemorrhage was documented clinically and on spectral-domain ocular coherence tomography. In Case 1, the proliferative diabetic retinopathy was stabilized with 2 rounds of panretinal photocoagulation treatment, and the visual acuity improved to 20/20 in the affected left eye after 8 months of observation. In Case 2, the visual acuity returned to baseline at 20/60 after 4 months of observation. Macular involvement of subhyaloid hemorrhages may cause visual impairment, but vitreomacular adhesion may block the hemorrhage from obstructing the fovea.

Optic Disc Pit Maculopathy: The Value of Small-Gauge Vitrectomy, Peeling, Laser Treatment, and Gas Tamponade

To report the outcome of 10 patients with optic pit maculopathy (OPM) and evaluate the role of small-gauge vitrectomy, gas endotamponade, and additional laser photocoagulation treatment. We retrospectively investigated 10 patients who underwent small-gauge, sutureless vitrectomy for OPM, detachment of the posterior hyaloid, internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, endolaser photocoagulation on the temporal margin of the optic disc, and gas tamponade. Preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recorded and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging was performed. Seven out of 10 patients gained at least 2 lines of vision; 2 patients gained 1 line of vision. Visual improvement occurred more than 3 months after surgery. One myopic patient developed a macular hole postoperatively, resulting in a poor functional result even though complete retinal attachment was achieved. The functional outcome did not always correlate well with the OCT imaging, in which complete retinal reattachment was observed in 5 out of 10 eyes. The therapeutic approach should include both small-gauge vitrectomy and ILM peeling to relieve vitreoretinal traction, as well as laser photocoagulation of the temporal margin of the optic disc in order to prevent vitreous fluid from entering the subretinal/intraretinal space. In addition, the patients should be told that visual recovery can take a long time.

Anti‐VEGF treatment in ocular oncology

AbstractPurpose To present the indications of Anti‐VEGF treatment in ocular oncology.Methods Intraocular anti‐VEGF injections were used for: • The prevention or the treatment of neovascular glaucoma following irradiation treatment of intraocular tumors (uveal melanomas, choroïdal hemangiomas, choroïdal metastasis). • The control of cystoids macula edema related to the conservative management of intraocular tumors. • The treatment of secondary retinal detachment related to vascular tumors and pseudo tumors and mainly the Coat’s disease.Results A dramatic decrease of the risk of neovascular glaucoma was obtained with intravitreal anti‐vasoproliferative treatment following irradiation treatment of intraocular tumors. The presence of retinal ischemia associated to the secondary exudative retinal detachment is observed with panoramic (150°) fluorescein angiography. The anti‐vasoproliferative treatment is delivered during the period preceding the reatachment of the retina which allows a photocoagulation treatment. Anti‐vasoproliferative treatment in case of established iris neovascularisation allows a functional success (IOP less than 20mm Hg) in 84% of the cases and anatomical success (reduction of the iris neovascularisation and of diffusion of the dye in fluorescein angiography) in 75% of the cases. Impressive reduction of the secondary retinal detachment is obtained following anti‐vasoproliferatives treatment in cases of Coat’s disease allowing the photoablation of the reattached retina.Conclusion Anti‐vasoproliferative treatment in ocular oncology is a major contribution for the reduction of side effects induced by irradiation treatment and to maintain useful function in treated eyes.

The Second World Congress for Plastic Surgeons of Chinese Descent

The Second World Congress for Plastic Surgeons of Chinese Descent

Choroidal thickness following extrafoveal photodynamic treatment with verteporfin in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy

To evaluate the effect of verteporfin photodynamic treatment (PDT) on choroidal thickness in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Choroidal thickness was measured with enhanced depth imaging- optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) before and after verteporfin PDT (full-dose verteporfin, half-light dose) in 16 eyes in 16 patients with serous detachment of the fovea secondary to extrafoveal angiographic fluorescein leakage. Treatment was confined to the area of leakage, whereas choroidal thickness before and after treatment was assessed over a larger area of the fundus using OCT. Complete resolution of the serous detachment was seen in all 16 eyes within 1 month of extrafoveal PDT, while choroidal thickness in the area where PDT was applied decreased from 407 μm [mean; 95% confidence interval (CI(95) ) 356-458 μm] to 349 μm (mean; CI(95) 300-399 μm; p < 0.0001), and subfoveal choroidal thickness was reduced from 421 μm (mean; CI(95) 352-489 μm) to 346 μm (mean; CI(95) 278-414 μm; p = 0.0001). Initially, subfoveal choroidal thickness was significantly increased in the treated eye compared with the healthy fellow eye (mean 324 μm; CI(95) 273-376 μm; p = 0.0003), but after treatment, the difference was not significant. Photodynamic therapy of active CSC was followed by choroidal thickness reduction, not only locally but also at considerable distance from the treated area. Thus, the process that causes choroidal thickening in CSC appears to spread laterally within the choroid.

Five-year visual outcome following laser photocoagulation of diabetic macular oedema

To evaluate the 5-year visual outcome associated with laser photocoagulation treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DMO), and to investigate the relationship between systemic factors and visual outcomes in a real-life setting. The mean annual visual outcomes and systemic parameters of 100 consecutive subjects with type 2 diabetes who underwent the first session of focal/grid macular laser photocoagulation for clinically significant macular oedema between 2003 and 2004 were collected retrospectively and compared with the outcomes of the laser arm of the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCRN trial comparing intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection with laser photocoagulation treatment for DMO). The primary outcome measures included the mean change in visual acuity (VA) in 5 years and the influence of systemic factors on final visual outcome. The mean change in VA at 5 years was -5.23 in a real-life setting for an inner city population. The 3-year outcome was inferior to the clinical trial results with more people gaining vision (≥15 letter gain) in the DRCRN group compared with this cohort (26 vs 9%). Furthermore, three times more patients lost vision (>15 letter loss) in the real-life setting of this cohort compared with the clinical trial results of the DRCRN group (27 vs 8%, respectively). The visual outcomes and the control of systemic factors of patients with DMO in this cohort were inferior to those recruited for the clinical trial involving the DRCRN group.