Comparison of the efficacy and safety of the elaborated combined laser technology and «grid» laser photocoagulation in patients with the initial stages of the idiopathic epiretinal membrane

Purpose: to evaluate the efectiveness and safety of the developed combined laser technology in comparison with «grid» laser photocoagulation in the treatment of patients with the initial stages of the idiopathic epiretinal membrane. Material and Methods. The analysis of two groups of patients was carried out. The frst group (32 patients (32 eyes)) was treated using the developed combined laser technology; the second group (30 patients (30 eyes)) was treated using grid» laser photocoagulation. The assessment uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity, central retinal thickness and central retinal sensitivity was performed. The maximum follow-up is 5 years. Results. In the frst group of patients the maximum visual-functional results (UCVA, BCVA, CRS) were obtained from 3 to 12 months, followed by their stabilization until the end of the observation period. The CRT gradually decreasedduring all observation period. In the second group of patients a short-term positive efect was achieved up to 3 months of observation with an increase UCVA, BCVA, CRS. 12 months post op there was increasing of CRT with decreasing UCVA, BCVA, and CRS until the end of study. Conclusion. The technology of combined laser treatment showed high efciency in comparison with «grid» laser photocoagulation with stabilization / increase of UCVA, BCVA, CRS and stabilization / improvement of the morphological parameters of the retina - the decrease of CRT.