Clinical trials versus intuition in evaluating the results of laser photocoagulation.

Clinical trials are often used to evaluate the efficacy of a given treatment. The results of clinical trials however do not always agree with a clinician's experience or intuition. The merits and demerits of Clinical Trials versus Intuition are discussed by using the laser photocoagulation trials of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy, Central serous retinopathy, Branch Vein Occlusion (treatment for macular oedema), Senile Macular Degeneration, and Pigment Epithelial Detachment. A model based on Intuition is used to explain the discrepancy between the results of the British and American trials of Branch Vein Occlusion and Senile Macular Degeneration. Proposals on the presentation of Clinical Trials and the place of Intuition are made.