Analysis of Clinical and Functional Results of the Developed Technology of Combined Laser Treatment of Initial Stages of Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane

Abstract

Aim. To analyze the clinical and functional results of the combined technology for laser treatment of patients with the initial stages of idiopathic epiretinal membrane.Methods. This study included 3 groups of patients: the main group (32 patients) after the combined laser technology (subthreshold “grid” laser photocoagulation (LP) and subthreshold micropulse LP); control group (30 patients) which did not receive any treatment; comparison group (30 patients) after subthreshold “grid” LP. The assessment uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT) and central retinal sensitivity (CRS) was performed. The follow-up period was 5 years.Results. In the control group a slow decrease of UCVA, BCVA, CRS (p < 0.05) and an increasing CRT (p < 0.05) were observed. In the main group maximal UCVA, BCVA, CRS (p < 0.05) were marked from 3 to 6 months after laser treatment and there was a gradual decrease in the CRT indices. In the comparison group, a short-term positive effect was achieved up to 3 months with an increase of UCVA, BCVA, CRS (p < 0.05). 12 months post op there was an increase in CRT with a decrease of UCVA, BCVA, and CRS until the end of study.Conclusion. The technology of combined laser treatment showed high efficiency in control and comparison groups, with stabilization/increase of UCVA, BCVA, CRS and stabilization/improvement of the morphological parameters of the retina – the decrease of CRT with ERM involution.

Keywords

• idiopathic epiretinal membrane
• subthreshold micropulse laser exposure
• combined laser technology
• optical coherent tomography
• laser surgery