Laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy is indicated for which condition?

• A. Significant Macular Edema and Development of Neovascularization
• B. Cataract Formation
• C. Glaucoma
• D. Retinal Detachment

Answer: (A)

Laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy targets the two main threat areas: macular edema and abnormal new vessels. When macular edema is significant, focal or grid laser therapy seals leaking vessels and reduces retinal swelling, helping preserve central vision. When proliferative diabetic retinopathy develops with neovascularization, panretinal (scatter) laser therapy decreases retinal ischemia and suppresses new vessel growth, lowering the risk of vitreous hemorrhage and tractional detachment. The other options—cataract formation, glaucoma, and retinal detachment—are not primary indications for treating diabetic retinopathy with laser. So the best indication is significant macular edema and development of neovascularization.