Multispot Panretinal Photocoagulation Laser Treatment Preserves Driving Eligibility

VANTAA, Finland - May 20, 2016 - PRLog -- Valon Lasers, a Finnish developer and producer of pattern scan photocoagulation lasers, is pleased to announce the publication of a study assessing the effect of Multispot laser PRP on retinal sensitivity. Professor Michel Michaelides from University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, U.K. and colleagues report that a Multispot laser panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy spares visual fields required for driving eligibility.

Untreated proliferative diabetic retinopathy can lead to visual loss from vitreous hemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment. Although PRP has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk for severe visual loss in multiple trials, its destructive nature may cause peripheral visual field loss, with implications for the patient's ability to drive.

Current data on the effects of PRP on the visual field are significantly limited by several factors including the retrospective nature of the studies, small sample sizes and non-standardized laser treatments. These imitations have been the basis of this prospective study of the effects of standardized multispot laser PRP on retinal sensitivity and driving eligibility.

Dr Michaelides et al. prospectively assessed the effects of standardized Multispot laser PRP on peripheral and central retinal sensitivity and visual fields required for driving in 43 laser naïve patients with proliferative or severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy that required bilateral PRP. The study was conducted with Valon TT Multispot laser with standardized parameters.

Before treatment, 41 of 43 (95%) patients passed the Esterman visual-field testing in accordance with U.K. driving standards. 38 of the 41 patients completed the study, and at six-month follow-up, 35 of 38 patients (92%) passed.

" With the increasing worldwide use of multispot laser for application of PRP, ophthalmologists must be able to advice patients accurately on whether PRP for diabetic retinopathy may jeopardize their entitlement to a driving license. This study identified no loss of driving eligibility on the basis of visual field criteria in almost all patients", state the researchers.

"We have had the privilege to follow this study at a near proximity. With their prospective study, Professor Michaelides and colleagues have given ophthalmologists worldwide a better baseline for patient consultation. This is also very good news for patients, who, due to regular screenings often receive diagnosis and treatment at an earlier stage of the condition", says Valon Lasers' CEO, Mr Juha Viherkoski.

The study was published online on April 14, 2016 by JAMA Ophthalmol at: http://archopht.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2512093&resultClick=3#Results

For more information on Valon Multispot Lasers and Valon Lasers, please visit www.valon.fi