Outcome of transpupillary diode laser photocoagulation for retinal diseases

Background: Diode lasers have been used in ophthalmic practice for several years. They are useful in the management of vasoproliferative retinopathies and have been shown to be comparable in efficacy to the argon laser. Aim: To report on the outcome of transpupillary diode laser treatment for retinal diseases. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study carried out using the case files of patients that had retinal diode laser photocoagulation between June 2011 and May 2012 at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria. Information retrieved included patients' age, sex, diagnosis, indication for retinal laser photocoagulation, prelaser and postlaser visual acuity (VA), best corrected VA, and operative complications. Results: A total of 31 eyes of 21 patients had transpupillary retinal laser photocoagulation during the study period. The commonest indication for retinal laser photocoagulation was proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and this was seen in 16 eyes (52%). Six eyes (19%) had both PDR and clinically significant macular edema (CSMO), while 3 eyes had CSMO only. Other indications were retinal vein occlusion (RVO) with secondary neovascularization (four eyes), proliferative sickle cell retinopathy (one eye), and traumatic retinal tear (one eye). Following laser therapy in those with diabetic retinopathy, VA improved by at least a line in 6 eyes, remained the same in 13 eyes, and deteriorated in 2 eyes. Neovascular regression was observed in 13 eyes and resolution of macular edema in 3 eyes. In the eyes with RVO, neovascular regression was observed in two eyes. Conclusion: Transpupillary diode laser photocoagulation was beneficial in the treatment of retinal diseases. Fibrovascular proliferation with significant fibrous tissue component was, however, associated with poor response to laser treatment in proliferative retinopathies.