AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal Conbercept combined with retinal photocoagulation in treating diabetic retinopathy(DR)with diabetic macular edema(DME).

METHODS: Prospective case study. Totally 48 patients(80 eyes)diagnosed as DR with DME randomized to combined group and laser group. Among them, there were 4 patients with 5 eyes in the moderate stage of non-proliferative DR(NPDR), 38 patients with 65 eyes in the severe stage of NPDR, and 6 cases with 10 eyes in the stage of proliferative DR(PDR). Intravitreal conbercept(IVC)and pan retinal photocoagulation(PRP)were performed in the combined group; the macular grid pattern laser photocoagulation and PRP were performed in the laser group. Best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),central macular thickness(CMT)and laser energy were tested at baseline and repeated at 1wk, 1, 3, 6, and 12mo after PRP.

RESULTS: Repeated measures showed an effect of treatment in combined group. Combined group induced increased BCVA at 1wk, 1 and 3mo after PRP, and remained stable in 6 and 12mo after PRP. Laser group induced increased BCVA at 1 and 3mo after PRP, and remained stable in 1wk, 6 and 12mo after PRP. Combined group induced decreased CMT at 1wk, 1 and 3mo post PRP, and remained stable in 6 and 12mo after PRP. Laser group induced decreased CMT at 1 and 3mo after PRP, and remained stable in 1wk, 6 and 12mo post PRP. There was no laser spot fusion was observed in the two groups during the follow-up. Laser energy in the combined group was lower than that in the laser group. No complications were observed during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION: IVC and retinal photocoagulation significantly improves visual and anatomic outcomes in patients with DR complicated with DME. Long-term efficacy remains to be seen.