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 \u3c400 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