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.