Double-frequency Nd:YAG laser vs. argon-green laser in the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy: randomized study with long-term follow-up

Lasers Surg Med. 1996;19(2):173-6. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1096-9101(1996)19:2<173::AID-LSM8>3.0.CO;2-P.

Abstract

Background and objective: A randomized clinical trial using the argon-green (514 nm) and the double-frequency Nd:YAG (532 nm) lasers was carried out on 42 eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), with the aim of assessing the long-term effects of double-frequency Nd:YAG panretinal photocoagulation (PRP).

Materials and methods: Twenty-one eyes were randomized to argon laser treatment (ALT) and 21 to double-frequency Nd:YAG laser treatment (NdLT). The mean follow-up was 28.90 months (+/- 6.13) in the ALT group and 29.57 months (+/- 5.17) in the NdLT group.

Results: In the ALT group, 20 eyes (95.2%) showed regression of PDR and one eye (4.8%) enlargement of pre-existing new vessels. In the NdLT group, neovascularization regressed in 20 eyes (95.2%) and increased in one (4.8%).

Conclusions: The long-term efficacy of double-frequency Nd: YAG laser PRP in the treatment of PDR thus appears to be similar to that of argon-green.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Argon
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy / instrumentation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neodymium
  • Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Neodymium
  • Argon