J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  1998 Jun;39(6):1220-1225.

Diode Laser Endophotocoagulation

• Oum BS
• Kwak HW
• Shin WB

Abstract

To evaluate the utility, safety, and reliability of diode laser endophotocoagulation in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, seventy-two consecutive eyes treated with diode endophotocoagulation were studied. A retrospective control group of 62 consecutive eyes undergoing vitrectoiny with argon laser endophotocoagulation was also studied. Minimal period of follow-up was 3 months. Final visual acuity was improved in 44 eyes (61.1%), and was 5/200 or better in 45 eyes (62.5%) with diode endophotocoagulation. In comparison, final visual acuity was irnproved in 40 eyes (64.5%), and was 5/200 orbetter in 37 eyes (61.6%) for argon endophotocoagulation. A rupture of Bruch`s rneinbrane was developed in 2 eyes with diode laser treatment, and a retinal hemorrhage was developed in one eye with argon laser treatment. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups regarding the rate of visual iniprovement and final visual results. This study supports the conclusion that the diode laser is as effective for the endophotocoagulation in proliferative diabetic retinopathy as argon laser treatment.

Keyword

Diode laser; Endophotocoagulation; Proliferative diabetic retinopathy

MeSH Terms

Argon
Diabetic Retinopathy
Follow-Up Studies
Lasers, Semiconductor*
Retinal Hemorrhage
Retrospective Studies
Rupture
Visual Acuity
Argon