Clinical accuracy of focal laser treatment for diabetic macular edema using a retinal navigated laser (Navilas®)

Purpose To investigate accuracy of a navigating laser photo-coagulator in clinically significant macular edema. Methods Focal laser in 20 patients was digitally planned on fundus images and performed with navigation using Navilas® (OD-OS GmbH, Teltow, Germany). On color images, OCT and autofluorescence we analyzed 784 laser spots (mean 39 per eye) at one week follow-up and determined accuracy of spot placement using an image flicker method. Results 76% of lesions were visible on color images, 95% were within 100 µm from the planned target. OCT confirmed that laser effects were limited to the outer retina. Conclusion Navilas® laser effects were visualized to high percentage on post-treatment images, location showed high concordance to preplanning.