[Visual prognosis of laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy]

To assess the visual prognosis of laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy at different stages.

Based on the Diabetic Retinopathy Photocoagulation Study Group (DRPS), 138 patients (210 eyes) with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), preproliferative diabetic retinopathy (PPDR), or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) were treated with laser photocoagulation. After 3 to 6 months,visual changes were inspected, fundus fluorescence angiography (FFA) was performed. Further photocoagulation was complemented according to the remaining fluorescein leakage, non-perfusion areas, microangioma and new vessels existing or disappearing. The follow-up was 6 approximately 24 months.

After the laser photocoagulation treatment, the rate of improvement and unchanging of visual acuity was 95.83% in NPDR group, 92.86% in PPDR group and 73.81% in PDR group. After 3 to 6 months, FFA showed that the effective rate was 95.83% in NPDR group, 78.33% in PPDR group and 60.31% in PDR group.

The visual prognosis of diabetic retinopathy at different stages is different after retinal photocoagulation. To save the visual function of patients, the appropriate time and reasonable laser parameter should be carefully chosen in the treatment of retinal photocoagulation in DR patients of different stages, especially in those with macular edema.