This trial seeks to prove that sub-lethal laser power levels are as effective and less damaging than traditional laser. Diabetic macular edema (DME) affects approximately 29% of diabetic patients with a disease duration of 20 or more years and is one of the most frequent causes of vision loss in this population. The Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) demonstrated a significant benefit of laser photocoagulation for the treatment of clinically significant macular edema, reducing the incidence of vision loss by approximately 50% at 3 years' follow-up.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* The patient must have macular edema involving the center of the macula with a corresponding leakage on fluorescein angiography.
* Thickening of the fovea of at least 300 microns (thickness of the central point in OCT) with a standard deviation of the center point \<10% and signal strength of ≥ 5 OCT ILM and borders (internal limiting membrane) and RPE (retinal pigment epithelium) properly identified. Also, the initial OCT must be confirmed by repeated measurements on the same day, with the thickness of the central point being within 10% between measurements. In cases where the OCT imaging program can not properly define the limits of ILM and RPE, if the investigator can obtain an estimate of the thickness of the manual by OCT central point of at least 300 microns, the patient will be considered eligible.
* The distance visual acuity in the better eye corrected the study must have an index between 70 and 35 letters inclusive (Snellen equivalent of 20/40 to 20/200).
* Clear media and eye pupil dilation adequate to allow fundus photography with good quality.
* Intraocular pressure not exceeding 21 mmHg.
* The ophthalmologist should feel comfortable with the delay of the focal laser treatment (direct and grid, as needed) by at least 12 weeks in the study eye.
* Patients with diabetes Type I or Type II as defined by WHO criteria of any gender and age ≥ 18 years.
* Ability to provide a written consent.
* Ability to return for all study visits.
Exclusion Crit…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Changes in Visual acuity
Timeframe: 12 months
2
Reduction of the central macular thickness by SD-OCT