Study confirms focal/grid photocoagulation superior to triamcinolone for DME

Researchers analyzed data from 330 subjects with diabetic macular edema who were randomized to the laser group of a multicenter trial comparing focal/grid photocoagulation with intravitreal triamcinolone.  Though researchers were looking for factors associated with visual acuity outcome after laser treatment, they found none. At two year, visual acuity outcomes were not associated with demographic, clinical (including diabetic), OCT, or fundus photographic variables, or with prior photocoagulation (macular or panretinal). As expected, worse baseline visual acuity was associated with better outcomes, while greater retinal volume and better baseline visual acuity were associated with worse outcomes.