DIODE-LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION FOR DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA

Aims-This study aimed to investigate whether diode laser irradiation, which is poorly absorbed by haemoglobin, can induce closure of leaking retinal microvascular lesions in the treatment of diabetic macular oe dema. Methods-Thirty three eyes with clinically significant diabetic m acular oedema were treated with a diode laser. Fundus evaluation befor e and after treatment included visual acuity, stereoscopic biomicrosco py, colour photographs, and fluorescein angiography. Results-At a mean period of review of 6 months macular oedema had completely or partial ly resolved in 27 eyes. Visual acuity improved in three, deteriorated in one, and was unchanged in 29 eyes. Conclusion-Preliminary data sugg est that diode laser therapy induces closure of leaking retinal microa neurysms and is effective in the treatment of diabetic macular oedema.