[Laser treatment in diabetes-related eye complications]

Argon laser photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy predominantly involves scatter photocoagulation of either the macula (for diabetic macular edema) or a large portion of the retina (panretinal photocoagulation). In both cases the laser treatment destroys a part of the photoreceptor layer, allowing the diffusion of oxygen and nutrients from the choroid to the inner retina, thus improving the metabolic state of the inner retina. Metabolic imbalance (hypoxia) can be linked with diabetic macular edema through hemodynamic principles according to Starlings law. The connection between the metabolic imbalances and retinal neovascularization is less clear and may involve chemical mitogens, hemodynamic considerations and other unknown factors.