Multifocal electroretinography amplitudes increase after photocoagulation in areas with increased retinal thickness and hard exudates

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate local response on multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) and to assess retinal thickness with optical coherence tomography (OCT) after focal laser treatment in areas with retinal oedema and exudates in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Methods: Twelve diabetes patients (aged 60 ± 14 years, diabetes duration 16 ± 8 years) treated with focal or grid photocoagulation in areas with retinal oedema and/or exudates underwent mfERG and OCT before and 3 months after treatment. The average thickness (in μm) in any of the nine sectors (defined according to the ETDRS) treated with photocoagulation was measured. Amplitudes and implicit times were analysed in corresponding areas on the mfERG. Results: Mean mfERG amplitudes increased after photocoagulation (21.5 ± 8.0 nV/deg² versus 16.8 ± 6.1 nV/deg²; p = 0.012), whereas no difference was seen in implicit times. Mean OCT values in the treated regions were lower at follow‐up (272 ± 23 μm versus 327 ± 79 μm; p = 0.013). No correlation was seen between changes in mfERG response and changes in OCT values. The decrease in retinal thickness was correlated with the number of laser spots applied (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Focal argon laser treatment is effective in reducing retinal thickness. In addition, treated areas tend to show improved retinal function as demonstrated by increased amplitudes on mfERG.