Effect of Focal and Grid Pattern PASCAL Photocoagulation Treatment in Diabetic Macular Edema

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of focal and grid pattern PASCAL photocoagulation treatment in diabetic macular edema patients. METHODS: A total of 72 patients (75 eyes) who were diagnosed as diabetic macular edema were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into 3 groups as follows: group 1 (31 patients, 31 eyes) received an intravitreal bevacizumab injection, group 2 (17 patients, 20 eyes) underwent focal and grid pattern PASCAL photocoagulation treatment, and group 3 (24 patients, 24 eyes) underwent focal and grid pattern argon photocoagulation treatment. Macular thickness and visual acuity (logMAR) of 75 eyes were compared among groups before and after treatments. RESULTS: Visual acuity improved in 13 eyes (65.0%) in group 1, 16 eyes (51.6%) in group 2, and in 10 eyes (41.6%) in group 3; however, there was no statistical significance. Macular thickness reduction occurred in 24 eyes (77.4%) in group 1 and 13 eyes (65.0%) in group 2 which were statistically significant decreases at only 1 month after treatment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Focal and grid pattern PASCAL photocoagulation is a good therapeutic option for diabetic macular edema. Focal and grid pattern PASCAL photocoagulation is as effective as intravitreal bevacizumab injection or focal and grid pattern argon photocoagulation treatment.

Effects of Additional Prednisolone Treatment in Orbital Cellulitis after Bougination

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of additional prednisolone treatments in orbital cellulitis after bougination. METHODS: The medical records of five patients treated for orbital cellulitis after bougination were reviewed. The number of times bouginated, clinical symptoms, biopsy findings, treatment course, recurrence, and prognosis were reviewed. RESULTS: A diffuse, erythematous mass on the lower lid around the medial canthal area was found in all patients. Bougination was performed more than twice in three patients. Chronic inflammation was checked via pathologic tissue biopsy examination in four patients. No patients receiving antibiotic treatments improved, thus additional prednisolone was used and showed satisfactory results, although recurrence was observed in two patients. The recurred two patients improved with repetitive prednisolone treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Although antibiotics are administered for the treatment of orbital cellulitis after bougination, the use of additional corticosteroids may be beneficial when inflammation is sustained.