Pascal laser versus conventional laser for treatment of diabetic retinopathy

Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of Pascal laser photocoagulation in comparison with the conventional laser photocoagulation in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Patients and methods: A prospective randomized case series study was done on 120 procedures done in 120 patients divided into two main groups, group A, patients undergoing focal or modified grid macular laser and group B, patients undergoing panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). Each of the two groups were subdivided into two subgroups randomly in the first we used conventional laser photocoagulation (groups A1 and B1) and in the other we used Pascal laser photocoagulation (groups A2 and B2). Results: Procedures in groups A1,2 and in groups B1,2 had successful outcomes. Significantly higher powers were required with the Pascal (groups A2 and B2) than with conventional laser (groups A1 and B1) (p 0.001) in eyes that underwent PRP and focal/modified grid macular treatment with both systems. No adverse events were noted in all groups. Conclusion: The Pascal photocoagulator is safe, rapid, effective, with rapid learning and had short exposure time. Although the shorter pulse duration of the Pascal necessitates the use of a higher power, it is not associated with adverse effects.