Purpose: To determine if the severity of diabetic macular edema influences the effectiveness of subthreshold micropulse (STMP) laser treatment.
Methods: A total of 63 eyes of 58 patients with diabetic macular edema were divided into two groups based on their initial central foveal thickness (CFT). Group 1 had CFT ≤400 μm, group 2 had CFT >400 μm. The change from baseline in CFT and visual acuity were compared at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up. Patients were considered for retreatment with micropulse laser at 3 months if macular edema had not improved. Patients were considered for rescue anti-VEGF injections if there was clinically significant macular edema at 6 months follow-up. Number of laser retreatments, injections, and any adverse effects from STMP laser were recorded.
Results: Group 1 (n=33) experienced an average of 55 μm reduction in CFT and 0.2 log MAR gain in visual acuity at 12 months (P<0.001). No patient required rescue anti-VEGF injections. Group 2 (n=30) experienced no significant change in CFT or visual acuity by 6 months despite retreatment with STMP in 19 eyes. From 6 to 12 months follow-up, all the patients in group 2 received rescue Bevacizumab injections that resulted in 307 μm reduction in CFT and 0.3 log MAR improvement in visual acuity (P<0.001). No adverse effects from STMP laser were recorded.
Conclusion: Severity of edema can influence the effects of STMP laser. STMP monotherapy is safe and effective in treating edema of mild to moderate severity.