Ultra-Widefield Fluorescein Angiography-Based Targeted Retinal Photocoagulation versus Panretinal Photocoagulation in...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal diseases
• Diabetic retinopathy

Background:

• Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is a severe complication of diabetes.
• Current treatments include panretinal photocoagulation (PRP).
• Ultra-widefield imaging allows for targeted treatment approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the safety and efficacy of targeted retinal photocoagulation (TRP) using ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography with conventional PRP for PDR.
• To evaluate the impact of both treatments on visual acuity, macular thickness, and visual field parameters.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 120 patients with PDR.
• Patients were randomized to either TRP (targeting ischemic areas) or PRP (conventional protocol).
• Outcomes assessed included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), mean deviation (MD), and visual field index (VFI).

Main Results:

• No significant difference in BCVA, CMT, MD, or VFI between TRP and PRP groups post-treatment.
• Both TRP and PRP groups showed significant improvement in CMT from baseline.
• The PRP group experienced significant worsening of MD and VFI compared to baseline.

Conclusions:

• TRP and PRP demonstrate comparable efficacy in treating PDR.
• PRP is associated with negative effects on visual field indices, unlike TRP.