Research Mentor Name

Xihiu Lin

Research Mentor Email Address

xihui.lin@wayne.edu

Institution / Department

Kresge

Document Type

Research Abstract

Research Type

clinicalresearch

Level of Research

no

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of focal laser for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) performed by ophthalmology residents.

Methods: This retrospective chart review studies DME patients treated in a resident clinic with focal laser. Visual acuity (VA), OCT central subfield thickness (CST), and maximum subfield thickness (MST) at initial, 1-month, and 6-month visits were recorded.

Results: For 32 reviewed patients, the average VA was 20/58 initially and 20/39 at 6 months (p=0.18). Mean CST was 311 µm initially and 305 µm at 6 months (p=0.09). Mean MST was 413 µm initially and 382 µm at 6 months (p=0.007). Factors favoring success are initial CST <400 µm, treatment of localized microaneurysms, and prior focal laser treatments.

Conclusion: Focal laser performed by residents was effective in decreasing MST and maintained visual acuity. Initial CST, localized microaneurysms, and repeat focal treatment predicted improved outcomes.

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

FIGURE 1A.tiff (1335 kB)
OCT images from a patient who received focal grid laser treatment. 1A - pre-treatment image with temporal macular edema.

FIGURE 1B.tiff (1380 kB)
1B - 1 month post-treatment image with improved temporal macular edema.

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