Improved retinal and visual function following panmacular subthreshold diode micropulse laser for retinitis...

To examine the effect of subthreshold diode micropulse laser (SDM) on pattern electroretinography (PERG) and visual function in retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

The records of all patients (pts) undergoing SDM in a vitreoretinal subspecialty practice were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included the presence of RP evaluated before and after SDM by PERG. As a secondary outcome measure, the results of automated omnifield resolution perimetry (ORP) were also reviewed.

All eyes undergoing SDM for RP were eligible study, including 26 eyes of 15 pts; seven male and eight female, aged 16-69 (avg. 47) years. Retinal function by PERG improved by all indices, with significant improvements in the 24° field signal latency measures; the MagD(µV)/ Mag(µV) ratio (P < 0.0001) and the MagD(µV) amplitude (P = 0.0003). ORP significantly improved by all indices (p = 0.02-0.002). Average best-corrected chart visual acuities improved from 0.6 to 0.4 logMAR units (p = 0.02). There were no adverse treatment effects.

SDM significantly improved chart visual acuity, mesopic logMAR visual acuity perimetry, and retinal function by PERG in RP without adverse treatment effects. Treatment responses indicate a significant capacity for rescue of dysfunctional retina. These results suggest that early and periodic treatment with SDM might slow disease progression and reduce long-term vision loss.