Subthreshold micropulse diode laser photocoagulation for clinically significant diabetic macular oedema: a three-year follow up

PURPOSE: To report the long-term visual outcome of subthreshold micropulse diode laser photocoagulation for clinically significant diffuse diabetic macular oedema (CSME). DESIGN: Non-comparative case-series. METHODS: The main outcome measures of this 3-year follow-up study of infrared (810 nm) subthreshold diode micropulse laser photocoagulation for CSME were visual outcome and the angiographic CSME status of 19 patients (25 eyes). RESULTS: Visual acuity stabilized or improved in 84% of treated eyes by the end of the first year. The result was maintained in the second year and by the third year, 92% maintained vision. However, more patients needed supplementary grid laser in the third year than in the second year. CSME decreased in 92% of the eyes and resolved in 88% in the first year. By the second year, 92% showed complete resolution. However, in the third year, recurrent CSME was noted in 28% of patients. CONCLUSION: This study has the longest follow up reported so far and demonstrating that subthreshold micropulse diode laser photocoagulation has a beneficial long-term effect on visual acuity and resolution of CSME with minimal chorio-retinal damage.