Ranibizumab for Treatment of Persistent Diabetic Neovascularization Assessed by Wide-Field Imaging

The purpose is to compare the efficacy of ranibizumab versus additional panretinal photocoagulation on diabetic neovascularization that is persistent despite previous treatment with panretinal photocoagulation. We hypothesize that ranibizumab intravitreal injections would induce neovascular regression in similar or better fashion than supplemental laser photocoagulation. Consented, enrolled subjects will either receive open-label intravitreal injections of 0.5-mg dose of ranibizumab or additional panretinal photocoagulation (up to 500 300-500 um laser spots) in a ratio of two-to-one (2:1) at the beginning of the study period. ETDRS best-corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and Optos color photography will be performed at enrollment, at weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4, and at months 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. The subjects will undergo fluorescein angiography utilizing the Optomap FA (fluorescein angiography) system and optical coherence tomography (OCT) at enrollment, at weeks 2 and 4, and at months 2, 3, 4 and 6. The subjects will be followed for a 6-month period for stabilization, regression, or recurrence of neovascularization. In addition, patients will be evaluated for occurrence of macular edema.