Efficacy of subthreshold micropulse laser combined with ranibizumab in the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

PURPOSE

In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the visual acuity, macular volume, central macular thickness, change in number of intravitreal ranibizumab injections with micropulse laser applications after loading dose of anti-VEGF to DME patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

METHODS

This study was carried out on 97 patients (45 ranibizumab and 52 micropulse grid laser+ranibizumab) with diabetic macular edema patients who were followed in the Retina Unit. At the control visit after three loading ranibizumab injections administered once a month, micropulse grid laser was applied to one group and ranibizumab injection was continued PRN to both groups for an average of 9.27 ± 2.42 months and central macular thickness, macular volume and visual acuity were recorded.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of gender, smoking and systemic diseases, initial central macular thickness, macular volume and visual acuity measurements (p > 0.05). Central macular thickness, macular volume and visual acuity values measured at the last follow-up of the patients were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). The mean post-treatment injection requirement was 4.19 ± 1.01 for the ranibizumab with micropulse laser combination group and 5.53 ± 1.14 for the ranibizumab group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Micropulse laser treatment after initial loading doses reduces the need for anti-VEGF injections. There is no deleterious effect on visual acuity and retinal imagings. Therefore, while combination therapy provides an effective treatment, it can also reduce the risk of complications of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. Studies with the participation of more patients may help in the selection of treatment methods by comparing micropulse laser combined with different injection protocols.