Choroidal neovascularization after laser photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema.

Choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVMs) developed in eight patients after photocoagulation for clinically significant diabetic macular edema (DME). The CNVMs developed in areas where Bruch's membrane was ruptured and were diagnosed 2 weeks to 5 months after treatment. Only six patients had symptoms. The CNVMs were treated in four patients; final visual acuity was poor in all eight patients. This serious complication that follows laser treatment for DME may be related to the use of repeated small-size, short-duration laser or intense laser burns, or both.