Diabetic Macular Edema Treatment: Laser Photocoagulation Versus anti-VEGF Drugs

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The present study was aimed to compare best-corrected vision and central macular thickness for macular edema in diabetes (DME) after utilizing laser, Avastin, and Lucentis. Methods: A retrospective randomized cross-sectional study was conducted at Alfaisal Eye Center, Khartoum. Best-corrected vision and central macular thickness (CMT) were assessed by Snellen's chart and Heidelberg optical coherence tomography OCT, respectively. Results: In this study, a total of 252 records of DME-treated patients with laser applications, Avastin, and Lucentis were enrolled, their mean age was 57 ± 5.22 yrs. A significant enhancement in best-corrected vision and CMT of studied groups with laser applications, Avastin, and Lucentis was obtained (P= 0.000) with no differences between treated groups (p= 0.445 and 0,479), respectively. Non-significant differences in variable measurements related to gender or age (p = 0.117, 0.781), respectively. CMT of females (260 ± 48 μm) was thinner than males (306 ± 74 μm) after treatment (P = 0.000). Conclusion: laser applications, Avastin, and Lucentis improved best-corrected vision and reduced central macular thickness significantly with no clear differences between studied groups. Age or gender have a non-significant impact on dependent variables. Females gained thinner results compared to males after treatment.