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Modified grid laser photocoagulation for diffuse diabetic macular edema. Long-term visual results
1Retina Consultants, Ltd, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Ophthalmology
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Modified grid laser photocoagulation effectively maintains or improves vision in diffuse diabetic macular edema patients. This treatment offers a stable long-term visual outcome for many individuals.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Diabetic Retinopathy Research
- Medical Treatments
Background:
- Diabetic macular edema is a leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients.
- Modified grid laser photocoagulation has been used to treat diffuse diabetic macular edema.
- Long-term visual outcomes of this treatment modality require further assessment.
Observation:
- The study reviewed 302 eyes from 185 patients with diffuse diabetic macular edema treated between 1981 and 1990.
- Patients received modified grid laser photocoagulation as their primary treatment.
- Follow-up data was collected for at least three years post-initial treatment.
Findings:
- Three years after treatment, 14.5% of eyes showed improved visual acuity.
- Visual acuity remained unchanged in 60.9% of eyes.
- 24.6% of eyes experienced a worsening of visual acuity, with an average of 1.9 treatments per eye.
Implications:
- Modified grid laser photocoagulation appears to be an effective method for preserving or enhancing visual acuity in diffuse diabetic macular edema.
- The study highlights the potential for stable long-term visual outcomes with this treatment.
- Further comparative studies are needed to establish its effectiveness against other treatment techniques or no treatment.