Twenty-two eyes of 18 patients diagnosed with non-center involving DME were included in this prospective, observational study. The patient's baseline best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), maximum retinal thickness (MRT), central macular thickness (CMT), and the area of macular exudates were determined and re-evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months after laser treatment.

There was no statistically significant change in BCVA at the 1st, 3rd and 6th months compared to the baseline in the follow-up (p=0.067, p=0.270, p=0.027 according to Bonferroni correction p<0,01). 1st, 3rd, and 6th month MRT was statistically significantly lower than baseline (p=0,009, p=0,006, p=0,007). No statistically significant change was detected in CMT at the 1st, 3rd and 6th months compared to the baseline in the follow-up (p=0.384, p=0.794, p=0.363). No statistically significant change in the area of macular exudates was detected at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months compared to the baseline (p=0.904, p=0.444, p=0.277).

This study observed a significant decrease in extrafoveal retinal thickness in patients with DME. There was no progression to central macular involvement, an increase in the area of exudates, and a decrease in BCVA in any patient. SML may be an effective alternative to conventional argon laser in non-center involving DME.