Panretinal Photocoagulation vs Intravitreous Ranibizumab for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) is the standard treatment for reducing severe visual loss from proliferative diabetic retinopathy. However, PRP can damage the retina, resulting in peripheral vision loss or worsening diabetic macular edema (DME).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the noninferiority of intravitreous ranibizumab compared with PRP for visual acuity outcomes in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Randomized clinical trial conducted at 55 US sites among 305 adults with proliferative diabetic retinopathy enrolled between February and December 2012 (mean age, 52 years; 44% female; 52% white). Both eyes were enrolled for 89 participants (1 eye to each study group), with a total of 394 study eyes. The final 2-year visit was completed in January 2015.

INTERVENTIONS

Individual eyes were randomly assigned to receive PRP treatment, completed in 1 to 3 visits (n = 203 eyes), or ranibizumab, 0.5 mg, by intravitreous injection at baseline and as frequently as every 4 weeks based on a structured re-treatment protocol (n = 191 eyes). Eyes in both treatment groups could receive ranibizumab for DME.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was mean visual acuity change at 2 years (5-letter noninferiority margin; intention-to-treat analysis). Secondary outcomes included visual acuity area under the curve, peripheral visual field loss, vitrectomy, DME development, and retinal neovascularization.

RESULTS

Mean visual acuity letter improvement at 2 years was +2.8 in the ranibizumab group vs +0.2 in the PRP group (difference, +2.2; 95% CI, -0.5 to +5.0; P < .001 for noninferiority). The mean treatment group difference in visual acuity area under the curve over 2 years was +4.2 (95% CI, +3.0 to +5.4; P < .001). Mean peripheral visual field sensitivity loss was worse (-23 dB vs -422 dB; difference, 372 dB; 95% CI, 213-531 dB; P < .001), vitrectomy was more frequent (15% vs 4%; difference, 9%; 95% CI, 4%-15%; P < .001), and DME development was more frequent (28% vs 9%; difference, 19%; 95% CI, 10%-28%; P < .001) in the PRP group vs the ranibizumab group, respectively. Eyes without active or regressed neovascularization at 2 years were not significantly different (35% in the ranibizumab group vs 30% in the PRP group; difference, 3%; 95% CI, -7% to 12%; P = .58). One eye in the ranibizumab group developed endophthalmitis. No significant differences between groups in rates of major cardiovascular events were identified.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, treatment with ranibizumab resulted in visual acuity that was noninferior to (not worse than) PRP treatment at 2 years. Although longer-term follow-up is needed, ranibizumab may be a reasonable treatment alternative, at least through 2 years, for patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01489189.

Vision Loss by Central Retinal Vein Occlusion After Kaatsu Training: A Case Report

Kaatsu training is an exercise method involving the application of pressure to the target muscle, and is being increasingly used in rehabilitation programs for heart disease patients in some hospitals. This method restricts blood flow to the muscles during exercise, and the resultant hypoxia effectively causes muscle hypertrophy and strengthening. However, no medical guidelines or risk factors for its use have been established.We report a case involving a 45-year-old man who suffered from 2 episodes of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), both occurring on the day following a Kaatsu training session.As a characteristic of the CRVO and its subsequent complications, the affected eye lost vision despite treatment. The patient had a history of hypertension and diabetes, and thus was at an increased risk of CRVO. Kaatsu training, which changes the heart rate and serum growth hormone levels, may have triggered the onset of CRVO.This case highlights that underlying medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and the consequent inflammation, could be risk factors for vascular side effects resulting from Kaatsu training. Further studies are required before the medical and recreational use of Kaatsu training become widespread.

New Therapeutic Approaches in Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. It affects a substantial proportion of US adults over age 40. The condition is a leading cause of visual loss. Much attention has been given to expanding the role of current treatments along with investigating various novel therapies and drug delivery methods. In the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME), intravitreal pharmacotherapies, especially anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents, have gained popularity. Currently, anti-VEGF agents are often used as first-line agents in center-involved DME, with recent data suggesting that among these agents, aflibercept leads to better visual outcomes in patients with worse baseline visual acuities. While photocoagulation remains the standard treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), recent FDA approvals of ranibizumab and aflibercept in the management of diabetic retinopathy associated with DME may suggest a potential for pharmacologic treatments of PDR as well. Novel therapies, including small interfering RNAs, chemokines, kallikrein-kinin inhibitors, and various anti-angiogenic agents, are currently being evaluated for the management of diabetic retinopathy and DME. In addition to these strategies, novel drug delivery methods such as sustained-release implants and refillable reservoir implants are either under active evaluation or have recently gained FDA approval. This review provides an update on the novel developments in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis in a healthy Korean male: the first case report in Korea

A 52-yr-old male was referred for progressive visual loss in the left eye. The decimal best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.01. Fundus examination revealed diffuse retinal pigment epithelial degeneration, focal yellow-white, infiltrative subretinal lesion with fuzzy border and a live nematode within the retina. Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN) was diagnosed and the direct laser photocoagulation was performed to destroy the live nematode. During eight months after treatment, BCVA gradually improved to 0.2 along with the gradual restoration of outer retinal layers on SD-OCT. We report on the first case of DUSN in Korea. DUSN should be included in the differential diagnosis of unexplained unilateral visual loss in otherwise healthy subjects.

HEMORRHOIDAL DISEASE - CONTEMPORARY ASPECTS OF THE PATHOGENESIS, CLINICAL COURSE, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The hemorrhoidal disease affects mainly individuals in their active age, as the reported incidence is much lower than the actual number, due to the nature of the complaints and the "subjective feeling of discomfort" when contacting a healthcare professional. Although in a large part of the cases the disease is successfully treated by non-surgical methods, the persisting symptoms greatly lower patients' quality of life, and the development of complications is related to a high morbidity rate. The defining, diagnosis and determining of the stages of the disease do not pose any difficulties to the modern medical practice, which - however - is not the case with the selection of the optimal and most efficient treatment method. There are a great number of treatment procedures, including surgical, for the treatment of the hemorrhoidal disease. Although there are certain recommended schemes and algorithms for therapeutic behavior, the selection of the method, ensuring individualized and optimal therapy, depends on the judgment of the surgeon.

Retinal thickness after focal photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema with and without temporal perifoveal thickening

BACKGROUND

Visual improvement after focal photocoagulation in diabetic macular edema is more common in eyes without temporal perifoveal thickening. This feature is related to a lower macular volume before treatment; the higher proportion of visual improvement could be associated with a shorter need of volume reduction.

OBJECTIVE

To compare macular volume before and after focal photocoagulation in eyes with diabetic macular edema, with and without temporal perifoveal thickening.

METHODS

Non-experimental, retrospective, longitudinal, comparative study in diabetics with macular edema treated with focal photocoagulation. Macular volume measured with optical coherence tomography, and best corrected visual acuity were compared between eyes with (group 1) and without temporal perifoveal thickening (group 2, independent samples Student's t test). The comparison was also performed after stratifying the groups by baseline visual acuity.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty eyes, 65 eyes from group 1 (54.2%) and 55 from group 2 (45.8%). Mean volume before and after treatment and mean absolute and percentage changes were lower in group 2 (p < 0.001) regardless of visual acuity. Macular volume decreased significantly in eyes of group 1; only eyes in group 2 with visual acuity < 0.5 before treatment increased their visual function (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes without temporal perifoveal thickening had visual improvement, although their volume did not change statistically. The significant volume reduction in eyes with temporal perifoveal thickening was not associated to visual improvement. The anatomical change was not enough to explain the functional improvement.

Updates in the management of diabetic macular edema

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease which has multiple effects on different end-organs, including the retina. In this paper, we discuss updates on diabetic macular edema (DME) and the management options. The underlying pathology of DME is the leakage of exudates from retinal microaneurysms, which trigger subsequent inflammatory reactions. Both clinical and imaging techniques are useful in diagnosing, classifying, and gauging the severity of DME. We performed a comprehensive literature search using the keywords "diabetes," "macula edema," "epidemiology," "pathogenesis," "optical coherence tomography," "intravitreal injections," "systemic treatment," "hypertension," "hyperlipidemia," "anemia," and "renal disease" and collated a total of 47 relevant articles published in English language. The main modalities of treatment currently in use comprise laser photocoagulation, intravitreal pharmacological and selected systemic pharmacological options. In addition, we mention some novel therapies that show promise in treating DME. We also review systemic factors associated with exacerbation or improvement in DME.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for proliferative diabetic retinopathy

BACKGROUND

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is a complication of diabetic retinopathy that can cause blindness. Although panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) is the treatment of choice for PDR, it has secondary effects that can affect vision. An alternative treatment such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), which produces an inhibition of vascular proliferation, could improve the vision of people with PDR.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness and safety of anti-VEGFs for PDR.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (2014, Issue 3), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Ovid OLDMEDLINE (January 1946 to April 2014), EMBASE (January 1980 to April 2014), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled-trials.com), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov) and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 28 April 2014.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing anti-VEGFs to another active treatment, sham treatment or no treatment for people with PDR. We also included studies that assessed the combination of anti-VEGFs with other treatments.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed risk of bias for all included trials. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) or the mean difference (MD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

MAIN RESULTS

We included 18 RCTs with 1005 participants (1131 eyes) of whom 57% were men. The median number of participants per RCT was 40 (range 15 to 261). The studies took place in Asia (three studies), Europe (two studies), the Middle East (seven studies), North America (three studies) and South America (three studies). Eight RCTs recruited people eligible for PRP, nine RCTs enrolled people with diabetes requiring vitrectomy and one RCT recruited people undergoing cataract surgery. The median follow-up was six months (range one to 12 months). Seven studies were at high risk of bias and the remainder were unclear risk of bias in one or more domains.Very low quality evidence from one study of 61 people showed that people treated with bevacizumab and PRP were less likely to lose 3 or more lines of visual acuity at 12 months compared with people treated with PRP alone (RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.81). People treated with anti-VEGF had an increased chance of gaining 3 or more lines of visual acuity but the effect was imprecise and compatible with no effect or being less likely to gain vision (RR 6.78, 95% CI 0.37 to 125.95). No other study reported these two outcomes. On average, people treated with anti-VEGF (bevacizumab, pegaptanib or ranibizumab) had better visual acuity at 12 months compared with people not receiving anti-VEGF (MD -0.07 logMAR, 95% CI -0.12 to -0.02; 5 RCTs, 373 participants, low quality evidence). There was some evidence to suggest a regression of PDR with smaller leakage on fluorescein angiography but it was difficult to estimate a pooled result from the two trials reporting this outcome. People receiving anti-VEGF were less likely to have vitreous or pre-retinal haemorrhage at 12 months (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.65; 3 RCTs, 342 participants, low quality evidence). No study reported on fluorescein leakage or quality of life.All of the nine trials of anti-VEGF before or during vitrectomy investigated bevacizumab; most studies investigated bevacizumab before vitrectomy, one study investigated bevacizumab during surgery.People treated with bevacizumab and vitrectomy were less likely to lose 3 or more lines of visual acuity at 12 months compared with people given vitrectomy alone but the effect was imprecise and compatible with no effect or being more likely to lose vision (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.08 to 3.14; 3 RCTs, 94 participants, low quality evidence). People treated with bevacizumab were more likely to gain 3 or more lines of visual acuity (RR 1.62, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.17; 3 RCTs, 94 participants, low quality evidence). On average, people treated with bevacizumab had better visual acuity at 12 months compared with people not receiving bevacizumab but there was uncertainty in the estimate (the CIs included 0; i.e. were compatible with no effect, and there was considerable inconsistency between studies; MD -0.24 logMAR, 95% CI -0.50 to 0.01; 6 RCTs, 335 participants, I(2) = 67%; low quality evidence). People receiving bevacizumab were less likely to have vitreous or pre-retinal haemorrhage at 12 months (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.52; 7 RCTs, 393 participants, low quality evidence). No study reported on quality of life.Reasons for downgrading the quality of the evidence included risk of bias in included studies, imprecision of the estimates, inconsistency of effect estimates and indirectness (few studies reported at 12 months).Adverse effects were rarely reported and there was no evidence for any increased risk with anti-VEGF but given the relatively few studies that reported these, and the low event rate, the power of the analysis to detect any differences was low.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There was very low or low quality evidence from RCTs for the efficacy and safety of anti-VEGF agents when used to treat PDR over and above current standard treatments. However, the results suggest that anti-VEGFs can reduce the risk of intraocular bleeding in people with PDR. Further carefully designed clinical trials should be able to improve this evidence.

Clinical characteristics and current treatment of age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial degeneration of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. The societal impact is significant, with more than 2 million individuals in the United States alone affected by advanced stages of AMD. Recent progress in our understanding of this complex disease and parallel developments in therapeutics and imaging have translated into new management paradigms in recent years. However, there are many unanswered questions, and diagnostic and prognostic precision and treatment outcomes can still be improved. In this article, we discuss the clinical features of AMD, provide correlations with modern imaging and histopathology, and present an overview of treatment strategies.

Guidelines for the management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration by the European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is still referred to as the leading cause of severe and irreversible visual loss world-wide. The disease has a profound effect on quality of life of affected individuals and represents a major socioeconomic challenge for societies due to the exponential increase in life expectancy and environmental risks. Advances in medical research have identified vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as an important pathophysiological player in neovascular AMD and intraocular inhibition of VEGF as one of the most efficient therapies in medicine. The wide introduction of anti-VEGF therapy has led to an overwhelming improvement in the prognosis of patients affected by neovascular AMD, allowing recovery and maintenance of visual function in the vast majority of patients. However, the therapeutic benefit is accompanied by significant economic investments, unresolved medicolegal debates about the use of off-label substances and overwhelming problems in large population management. The burden of disease has turned into a burden of care with a dissociation of scientific advances and real-world clinical performance. Simultaneously, ground-breaking innovations in diagnostic technologies, such as optical coherence tomography, allows unprecedented high-resolution visualisation of disease morphology and provides a promising horizon for early disease detection and efficient therapeutic follow-up. However, definite conclusions from morphologic parameters are still lacking, and valid biomarkers have yet to be identified to provide a practical base for disease management. The European Society of Retina Specialists offers expert guidance for diagnostic and therapeutic management of neovascular AMD supporting healthcare givers and doctors in providing the best state-of-the-art care to their patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01318941.

Ruptured retinal arterial macroaneurysm: diagnosis and management

Retinal arterial macroaneurysm is an acquired, focal dilation of a retinal artery, typically occurring within the first three bifurcations of the central retinal artery. The clinical presentation of a retinal arterial macroaneurysm is highly variable, making initial diagnosis difficult and differentials many. Identification of retinal arterial macroaneurysms is crucial to appropriately co-manage with the primary care physician for hypertension control. Prognosis is generally good and observation is often an adequate treatment. However, in cases of macular threat or involvement, some treatment options are available and referral to a retinal specialist is indicated.

[Studying the regression pattern of stage II and III retinopathy of prematurity by means of morphometric analysis of retinal vessels in different terms after laser retinal photocoagulation]

Dynamic evaluation of the diameters of central fundus vessels, 2nd order and peripheral vessels as well as the tortuosity index of central zone arteries in stage II and III retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which showed regression after laser treatment, was performed. Obtained data can be used for estimation of the optimal follow-up period ensuring early detection of high probability for ROP progression after laser coagulation and decrease of the number of diagnostic examinations for patients whose pathologic process is resolving.

Endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation in refractory glaucoma after osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis in Stevens-Johnson syndrome: a case report

PURPOSE

To report successful treatment of refractive glaucoma in a patient submitted to osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis surgery for Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

METHODS

An interventional case report.

RESULTS

The patient is a 62-year-old Indian man with known Stevens-Johnson syndrome since 1972 secondary to tetracycline therapy, with bilateral dry eye and corneal blindness. He underwent symblepharon release surgery with mucous membrane graft in both eyes. Osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis surgery was later performed on the left eye. He was submitted to 2 Ahmed valve implants to control secondary glaucoma but visual fields continued to worsen; hence, he underwent endoscopic 140° cyclophotocoagulation with a good control of IOP.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation as alternative treatment provides good results in refractory glaucoma after osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis surgery.

Clinical evaluation of traumatic ciliochoroidal detachment with surgical treatment

PURPOSE

To determine the clinical features of traumatic ciliochoroidal detachment (CCD), and to evaluate the surgical outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 37 consecutive patients with traumatic CCD who underwent surgical procedures, including ciliary body suturing, transscleral cyclophotocoagulation, and cyclocryopexy. A complete ocular examination was performed at pre-surgery and at periodical post-surgery follow-ups. We compared visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and morphologic changes with UBM among the different surgical procedures at the pre-surgery and periodical follow-ups.

RESULTS

The mean IOP was 6.62 mmHg, and the median VA was 20/200 at baseline. The mean final IOP was 11.03 mmHg, and the final median VA improved to 20/50. IOPs were significantly different in post-surgery compared with those at baseline (P = 0.000) among the ciliary body suturing, cyclophotocoagulation, and cyclocryopexy groups. However, no significant differences were noted at each follow-up among the 3 groups (P > 0.05). The post-surgical morphological figures consisted of complete reattachment, partial reattachment, and the complete detachment. Cyclocryopexy (71.4%), suturing (68.4%), and cyclophotocoagulation (63.6%) produced similar surgical outcomes of the complete reattachment based on UBM images.

CONCLUSION

Prompt treatment and periodic follow-ups are necessary after traumatic CCD, based on accurate dimensions and configuration by UBM. The appropriate choice of surgical procedures is pivotal for an optimal outcome.

[Clinical course of pars planitis in patients treated with selective photocoagulation]

INTRODUCTION

Pars planitis is an intermediate uveitis with bilateral and asymmetric presentation. The etiology is unknown and pathogenesis is unclear. Treatment follows the algorithm of Foster, which includes selective photocoagulation. The mechanism of action of photocoagulation is still unknown.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An observational, longitudinal, ambispective cohort study was performed with the objective of evaluating the course of inflammation in patients with pars planitis treated with a selective argon laser.

RESULTS

The study included 29 patients (10 female and 19 male) diagnosed with pars planitis and were treated with selective laser. The mean age of onset was 11.77 years. Eighteen (62.1%) patients were not immunosuppressed at the time of receiving the selective laser, and 11 (37.9%) were taking immunosuppressants. Indications for selective laser were; following the algorithm, 19 (65.55%), vitreous hemorrhage 7 (24.1%), vitrectomy 2 (6.98%), and neovascularization 1 (3.4%). The mean time for inflammation reduction was 5.9 months, and 17 patients (58.6%) had no relapse. Visual acuity showed improvement post-laser (OD P=.025 and OI P=.022). There was also an improvement in vitreous cells.

CONCLUSION

Selective laser was effective in 58.6%% of patients.

Elective laparoscopic fetal laser photocoagulation in twin-twin transfusion syndrome: a case report

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a complication of multiple gestation in which arteriovenous vascular communications occur in a shared placenta. Due to these communications, there is an imbalance of blood flow between the developing fetuses. This results in 1 twin becoming the donor and the other becoming the recipient. In severe cases, the recipient may experience polycythemia, polyhydramnios, and hydrops fetalis, while in the donor oligohydramnios and severe anemia may develop. It has been reported that fetal mortality can reach as high as 60% to 80% if TTTS develops before 26 weeks' gestation and goes untreated. Therapeutic options available include decompression amniocentesis, amniotic septostomy, interruption of the placental vessel communications, and selective fetal reduction. Selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of abnormal vascular communications has shown to result in increasing survival rates and has become a definitive treatment option for severe TTTS. The case report presented involves a 32-year-old, gravida 5, para 2 patient at 19 weeks' estimated gestational age with a monochorionic diamniotic twin gestation with TTS diagnosed using ultrasonography presenting for an elective laparoscopic fetal laser photocoagulation.

[Bedside diode laser photocoagulation for 103 cases with serious retinopathy of prematurity in NICU]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the bedside diode laser photocoagulation for severe retinopathy of prematurity in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

METHOD

Data of 103 patients with prethreshold or threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), treated with diode laser photoablation after vecuronium-induced anesthesia and mechanical ventilation from March 2009 to July 2011 in NICU of Bayi Children's Hospital.

RESULT

Totally 199 eyes in 103 patients received laser therapy with at least 5 months follow up. Among these eyes, zone I disease was found in 76 eyes (38.2%) of 39 infants, zone II disease was found in 123 eyes (61.8%)of 64 infants and additional disease was found in 180 eyes of 91 infants. After treatment 191 (96.0%) of 199 eyes had favorable outcomes and 8 developed to partial retinal detachment. The rate of favorable outcomes in zone I diseases and zone 2 diseases were 89.5% and 100% respectively. The laser therapy was undertaken in all patients safely and the use of ventilator was stopped quickly [after a mean of (6.7 ± 1.3) h].

CONCLUSION

Bedside laser photocoagulation in NICU is a safe and effective treatment mode for severe ROP and should be used widely.

Idiopathic juxtafoveal retinal telangiectasis and retinal macroaneurysm treated with indocyanine green dye-enhanced photocoagulation

This case report presents the use of indocyanine green dye-enhanced photocoagulation (ICG-DEP) for the treatment of idiopathic juxtafoveal retinal telangiectasis and a retinal macroaneurysm. A 35-year-old male with 20/20 vision had been followed for 5 years for a retinal macroaneurysm with retinal telangiectasis outside the macular area. He then presented with a recently decreased vision in his right. He had macular edema with a new area of idiopathic juxtafoveal retinal telangiectasis. After 4 focal argon laser treatments, angiographic closure of the lesions was not obtained and the retinal edema remained. After 3 sessions of ICG-DEP, the lesions were closed and the edema absorbed. The 810 nm infrared laser with ICG-DEP should be considered for the treatment of idiopathic juxtafoveal retinal telangiectasis and retinal macroaneurysms. In this case the procedure appears to be safe and well tolerated. It may allow for more direct energy absorption than that of the argon laser to these types of retinal lesions with better tissue closure.