Retinal Sensitivity and Structural Changes after Focal Photocoagulation for Diabetic Macular Edema: A Multisectorial...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Diabetic Retinopathy

Background:

• Diabetic macular edema (DME) treatment efficacy can be hindered by unclear macular changes.
• Focal macular laser photocoagulation is a common treatment for DME.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate functional and structural changes in the macula after focal macular laser treatment for DME.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of patients with mild diabetic retinopathy treated with focal macular laser monotherapy for DME.
• Optical coherence tomography and microperimetry were used to assess macular changes.
• Comparison of macular sectors based on the presence of laser spots.

Main Results:

• Sectors treated with focal photocoagulation showed significant reductions in absolute sensitivity (-1.0 to -0.4 dB) and relative sensitivity (-2.1 to -0.6%).
• A reduction in outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness (-8 to -3 μm) was observed in treated sectors.
• The number of laser spots correlated with observed functional and structural changes.

Conclusions:

• Macular sectors treated with photocoagulation experienced minor reductions in retinal sensitivity.
• A corresponding reduction in outer nuclear layer thickness was noted in these treated sectors.