Macular function and structure in patients with center-involved diabetic macular edema before and after micropulse laser therapy

Introduction
To evaluate macular function and structure in patients with center-involved diabetic macular edema before and after micropulse laser therapy.

Material and methods
Twenty one eyes of 18 patients with centerinvolved diabetic macular edema (DME) in type 2 diabetes mellitus were treated twice with micropulse laser therapy at the baseline and 3 months after. At the baseline, 6th week, 3rd month and 6th month the following examinations were performed: distance best corrected visual acuity (log MAR), slit lamp examination of the anterior and posterior segment of the eye (Volk 90D lens), assessment of the macular thickness (OCT), as well as evaluation of the macular function (mfERG).

Results
Six weeks, 3 and 6 months after micropulse laser therapy (MPLT) no statistically significant change of distance best corrected visual acuity, bioelectrical function of bipolar cells and cones, or macular thickness in the fovea and parafoveal region were observed (p > 0.05).

Conclusions
Our study results suggest that usefulness of MPLT in treatment of center-involved DME seems to be limited, but it may have role in stabilization of visual function and macular structure.