Single-Spot Yellow Laser Versus Conventional Green Laser on Panretinal Photocoagulation: Patient Pain Scores and Preferences

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) is the mainstay therapy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Pain during and after its application is a complication that affects patients' therapeutic adherence. This study aimed to compare pain perception and patient preference for the 577-nm yellow laser (YL-577) (LIGHTL as 577; LIGHTMED, San Clemente, CA) and the conventional 532-nm green laser (GL-532) (Purepoint Laser; Alcon, Fort Worth, TX) with PRP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 92 patient eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy treated with PRP were randomly assigned to receive both GL-532 and YL-577 (184 eyes) — one on each eye, with the order of application randomized, as well. Afterward, verbal rapid answer and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain perception and patient preference were evaluated. RESULTS: VAS score was 7 ± 2 for the GL-532 group compared to 5 ± 3 in the YL-577 group ( P = .001). Overall, 75% of the patients preferred YL-577 therapy if they were to receive a second PRP session. CONCLUSION: The use of YL-577 as an alternative approach for PRP reduces pain perception and is preferred by patients. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina . 2017;48:902–905.]