RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) poses a significant challenge in diabetes management due to its microvascular changes in the retina. Laser photocoagulation, a conventional therapy, aims to mitigate the risk of progressing to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of multi-spot vs single-spot scanning panretinal laser photocoagulation in NPDR patients. METHODS: Forty-nine NPDR patients (86 eyes) treated between September 2020 and July 2022 were included. They were randomly allocated into single-spot (n = 23, 40 eyes) and multi-spot (n = 26, 46 eyes) groups. Treatment outcomes, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and mean threshold sensitivity, were assessed at predetermined intervals over 12 months. Adverse reactions were also recorded. RESULTS: Energy levels did not significantly differ between groups (P > 0.05), but the multi-spot group exhibited lower energy density (P < 0.05). BCVA and CMT improvements were noted in the multi-spot group at one-month post-treatment (P < 0.05). Adverse reaction incidence was similar between groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: While energy intensity and safety were comparable between modalities, multi-spot scanning demonstrated lower energy density and showed superior short-term improvements in BCVA and CMT for NPDR patients, with reduced laser-induced damage.