Selective Retinal Pigment Epithelium Laser Therapy for Macular Disease of the Retina

Plain-language summary

Laser photocoagulation of the retina targeting the outer layers is an established therapy for proliferative retinopathy and macular edema from diabetic microangiopathy or retinal vein occlusion, centrals serous retinopathy, and extrafoveal subretinal neovascular membranes. However, collateral damage occurs and scotomas can result when using conventional lasers with pulse duration of 100ms and more. This is particularly relevant for laser treatments of the macula where the main therapeutic effect results from stimulation of the retinal pigment epithelium cells and photoreceptor damage is thought to be an unnecessary side effect. Recent experimental research with new laser devices using much shorter pulse duration has shown that photoreceptor damage can be greatly reduced and the retinal pigment epithelium selectively targeted, hence the term selective retinal pigment epithelium laser therapy (SRT). Investigators hypothesize that SRT is equally effective as standard laser photocoagulation for macular disease but minimizes local visual field defects. In this study, patients with central serous retinopathy, macular edema from diabetic microangiopathy or branch vein occlusion, and non-exudative age-related macular degeneration will be treated with SRT. Patients will be assessed 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment.

Who can participate

What they're measuring

Trial details