AIM: To compare the efficacy of the laser photocoagulation with combination therapy of both the laser potocoagulation and ranibizumab in the treatment of diabetic macular edema(DME).

METHODS: The research was based on the randomized controlled trial(RCT). A total of 180 eyes from 134 cases diagnosed with DME were randomly divided into experimental group and control group. No statistically significant difference was found between two groups(P>0.05)with respect to age, sex, duration of disease, best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), the mean intraocular pressure(IOP)and the mean central macular thickness(CMT). Patients in the control group received the photocoagulation while the combination therapy of both laser photocoagulation and ranibizumab were employed in the experimental group. BCVA, IOP and CMT were assessed at 1wk and 3mo after treatment, and the collecting data of two groups were examined.

RESULTS: Before treatment, 1wk and 3mo after treatment, there was no significant difference of IOP(P>0.05). 1wk and 3mo after treatment, the CMT in the experimental group was significantly lower than the other(t= -7.83, -8.80, P<0.05), whilst the BCVA in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group(t= -3.76, -4.09, P<0.05). The BCVA of the experimental group was increased after 1wk treatment(t=1.97, P<0.05). The recurrence rate of the experimental group was lower(χ²=4.59, P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of early intraocular pressure between the two groups(χ²=0.03, P>0.05). No retinal detachment or intraocular inflammation occurred in both groups.

CONCLUSION: Compared with the laser photocoagulation, the combination therapy of laser photocoagulation and ranibizumab could significantly lower the CMT after surgery, early improve the BCVA and decrease the recurrence rate.