Subthreshold Laser Treatment for Symptomatic Retinal Arterial Macroaneurysms

Purpose To describe the effectiveness of subthreshold laser treatment (SLT) with infrared micropulse diode laser for the treatment of retinal arterial macroaneurysms (RAM) associated with macular exudation. Methods Interventional case series including 8 cases of RAM who underwent treatment with SLT. Complete ophthalmic examinations, including Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study visual acuity (ETDRS-VA), OCT and fluorescein angiography, were performed at the moment of the study entry and at 3-month intervals, with a planned follow-up of 12 months. Main outcome measures were the decrease in mean foveal thickness (MFT) on OCT, and the changes in ETDRS-VA. Results The change in MFT from the initial values was statistically significant (p<0.001) with resolution of exudation. At the 12-month evaluation, all the patients gained at least 10 letters (two lines) in ETDRS-VA. No laser scar was detectable after SLT. Conclusions SLT is a promising approach for the treatment of symptomatic RAM.