1
|
Akkan Aydogmus FS, Kalayci D, Polat Gultekin B. Subthreshold laser treatment for non-center involved diabetic macular edema via non-damaging retinal laser therapy (NRT). Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:129. [PMID: 38472440 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03065-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy of subthreshold laser treatment via non-damaging retinal laser therapy (NRT) in patients with non-center involved diabetic macular edema (non-CI DME). METHODS In this prospective controlled study, NRT with 577 nm wavelength was performed to the edematous inner subfields as needed at 3 monthly intervals, while the control group received no treatment. If CI-DME developed in either group, intravitreal anti-VEGF was performed and the eye was excluded from subsequent analysis. RESULTS A total of 75 eyes (36 study eyes, 39 controls) were evaluated. The change in superior, nasal and temporal inner subfield thicknesses over time and between groups was found significant (P = 0.004, P < 0.001, P = 0.04 respectively). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) change was not significant over time and between groups (P = 0.69). Rates of CI-DME development requiring intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment were not different during the first and second years (P = 0.171, 0.908). No laser scar was detected in any eye in fundus autofluorescence imaging. CONCLUSION NRT performed as needed at 3 monthly intervals is effective after 21 months of follow up in the treatment of non-CI DME and it was safe. With this method, it may be foreseen that BCVA will be better preserved in the long term by avoiding the possible side effects of conventional laser.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Sema Akkan Aydogmus
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Üniversiteler Mahallesi Bilkent Cad. No: 1 Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Defne Kalayci
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Üniversiteler Mahallesi Bilkent Cad. No: 1 Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bodea F, Bungau SG, Bogdan MA, Vesa CM, Radu A, Tarce AG, Purza AL, Tit DM, Bustea C, Radu AF. Micropulse Laser Therapy as an Integral Part of Eye Disease Management. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1388. [PMID: 37629677 PMCID: PMC10456532 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Ocular diseases can significantly impact vision and quality of life through pathophysiological alterations to the structure of the eye. The management of these conditions often involves a combination of pharmaceutical interventions, surgical procedures, and laser therapy. Laser technology has revolutionized many medical fields, including ophthalmology, offering precise and targeted treatment options that solve some of the unmet needs of other therapeutic strategies. Conventional laser techniques, while effective, can generate excessive thermal energy, leading to collateral tissue damage and potential side effects. Compared to conventional laser techniques, micropulse laser therapy delivers laser energy in a pulsed manner, minimizing collateral damage while effectively treating target tissues. The present paper highlights the advantages of micropulse laser therapy over conventional laser treatments, presents the implications of applying these strategies to some of the most prevalent ocular diseases, and highlights several types and mechanisms of micropulse lasers. Although micropulse laser therapy shows great potential in the management of ocular diseases, further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols, evaluate long-term efficacy, and explore its role in combination therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flaviu Bodea
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania; (F.B.); (C.M.V.); (D.M.T.); (A.-F.R.)
| | - Simona Gabriela Bungau
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania; (F.B.); (C.M.V.); (D.M.T.); (A.-F.R.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Mihaela Alexandra Bogdan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Cosmin Mihai Vesa
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania; (F.B.); (C.M.V.); (D.M.T.); (A.-F.R.)
- Department of Preclinical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Ada Radu
- Ducfarm Pharmacy, 410514 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Alexandra Georgiana Tarce
- Medicine Program of Study, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Anamaria Lavinia Purza
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Delia Mirela Tit
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania; (F.B.); (C.M.V.); (D.M.T.); (A.-F.R.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Cristian Bustea
- Department of Surgery, Oradea County Emergency Clinical Hospital, 410169 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Andrei-Flavius Radu
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania; (F.B.); (C.M.V.); (D.M.T.); (A.-F.R.)
- Department of Preclinical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Iovino C, Iodice CM, Pisani D, Rosolia A, Testa F, Giannaccare G, Chhablani J, Simonelli F. Yellow Subthreshold Micropulse Laser in Retinal Diseases: An In-Depth Analysis and Review of the Literature. Ophthalmol Ther 2023; 12:1479-1500. [PMID: 36933125 PMCID: PMC10164197 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-023-00698-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Yellow subthreshold micropulse laser (YSML) is a retinal laser capable of inducing a biologic response without causing thermal damage to the targeted tissue. The 577-nm YSML is delivered to the retina abiding by different protocols in which wavelength, power, duration, spot size and number of spots can be properly set to achieve the most effective and safe treatment response in various chorioretinal disorders. The ultrashort trains of power modulate the activation of the retinal pigment epithelium cells and intraretinal cells, such as Müller cells, causing no visible retinal scars. Subthreshold energy delivered by YSML stimulates the production of the heat-shock proteins, highly conserved molecules that protect cells against any sort of stress by blocking apoptotic and inflammatory pathways that cause cell damage. YSML treatment allows resorption of the subretinal fluid in central serous chorioretinopathy and intraretinal fluid in various conditions including diabetic macular edema, postoperative cystoid macular edema and other miscellaneous conditions. YSML also seems to modulate the development and progression of reticular pseudodrusen in dry age-related macular degeneration. The aim of this review is to discuss and summarize the safety and efficacy of YSML treatment in retinal diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Iovino
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Clemente Maria Iodice
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Danila Pisani
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Rosolia
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Testa
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Jay Chhablani
- UPMC Eye Centre, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Subthreshold Micropulse Laser for Diabetic Macular Edema: A Review. J Clin Med 2022; 12:jcm12010274. [PMID: 36615074 PMCID: PMC9821545 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is one of the main causes of visual impairment in patients of working age. DME occurs in 4% of patients at all stages of diabetic retinopathy. Using a subthreshold micropulse laser is an alternative or adjuvant treatment of DME. Micropulse technology demonstrates a high safety profile by selectively targeting the retinal pigment epithelium. There are no standardized protocols for micropulse treatment, however, a 577 nm laser application over the entire macula using a 200 μm retinal spot, 200 ms pulse duration, 400 mW power, and 5% duty cycle is a cost-effective, noninvasive, and safe therapy in mild and moderate macular edemas with retinal thickness below 400 μm. Micropulse lasers, as an addition to the current gold-standard treatment for DME, i.e., anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), stabilize the anatomic and functional retinal parameters 3 months after the procedure and reduce the number of required injections per year. This paper discusses the published literature on the safety and application of subthreshold micropulse lasers in DME and compares them with intravitreal anti-VEGF or steroid therapies and conventional grid laser photocoagulation. Only English peer-reviewed articles reporting research within the years 2010-2022 were included.
Collapse
|
5
|
Chhablani J. Subthreshold laser therapy guidelines for retinal diseases. Eye (Lond) 2022; 36:2234-2235. [PMID: 35739241 PMCID: PMC9674644 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-022-02136-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jay Chhablani
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Diabetic Macular Edema: Current Understanding, Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213362. [PMID: 36359761 PMCID: PMC9655436 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), with increasing incidence, is the major cause of vision loss and blindness worldwide in working-age adults. Diabetic macular edema (DME) remains the main cause of vision impairment in diabetic patients, with its pathogenesis still not completely elucidated. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of DR and DME. Currently, intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents remains as the first-line therapy in DME treatment due to the superior anatomic and functional outcomes. However, some patients do not respond satisfactorily to anti-VEGF injections. More than 30% patients still exist with persistent DME even after regular intravitreal injection for at least 4 injections within 24 weeks, suggesting other pathogenic factors, beyond VEGF, might contribute to the pathogenesis of DME. Recent advances showed nearly all the retinal cells are involved in DR and DME, including breakdown of blood-retinal barrier (BRB), drainage dysfunction of Müller glia and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), involvement of inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration, all complicating the pathogenesis of DME. The profound understanding of the changes in proteomics and metabolomics helps improve the elucidation of the pathogenesis of DR and DME and leads to the identification of novel targets, biomarkers and potential therapeutic strategies for DME treatment. The present review aimed to summarize the current understanding of DME, the involved molecular mechanisms, and the changes in proteomics and metabolomics, thus to propose the potential therapeutic recommendations for personalized treatment of DME.
Collapse
|
7
|
Koushan K, Eshtiaghi A, Fung P, Berger AR, Chow DR. Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema with Aflibercept and Micropulse Laser (DAM Study). Clin Ophthalmol 2022; 16:1109-1115. [PMID: 35422607 PMCID: PMC9005121 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s360869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Methods Results Conclusion Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keyvan Koushan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto Retina Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Correspondence: Keyvan Koushan, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto Retina Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Tel +1 416 356-4355, Email
| | - Arshia Eshtiaghi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pauline Fung
- Toronto Retina Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alan R Berger
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto Retina Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David R Chow
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto Retina Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Grzybowski A, Markeviciute A, Zemaitiene R. Treatment of Macular Edema in Vascular Retinal Diseases: A 2021 Update. J Clin Med 2021; 10:5300. [PMID: 34830582 PMCID: PMC8619917 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10225300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Macular edema (ME) is associated with various conditions; however, the main causes of ME are retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and diabetes. Laser photocoagulation, formerly the gold standard for the treatment of ME, has been replaced by anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) intravitreal injections. Despite its efficiency, this treatment requires frequent injections to preserve the outcomes of anti-VEGF therapy, and as many patients do not sufficiently respond to the treatment, ME is typically a chronic condition that can lead to permanent visual impairment. Generalized recommendations for the treatment of ME are lacking, which highlights the importance of reviewing treatment approaches, including recent anti-VEGFs, intravitreal steroid implants, and subthreshold micropulse lasers. We reviewed relevant studies, emphasizing the articles published between 2019 and 2021 and using the following keywords: macular edema, diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, laser photocoagulation, anti-VEGF, and intravitreal injections. Our results revealed that a combination of different treatment methods may be beneficial in resistant cases. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) is likely to help select the best treatment option for patients in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Grzybowski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland;
- Institute for Research in Ophthalmology, 60-836 Poznan, Poland
| | - Agne Markeviciute
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Reda Zemaitiene
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| |
Collapse
|