[Study of the visual field using automated static perimetry following panretinal photocoagulation in the diabetic]

Twelve diabetic patients presenting a preproliferative or proliferative retinopathy were the subjects of our study. We studied the modifications of the visual fields, analyzed by computerized perimetry, after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). For every patient, two techniques of PRP were applied, one on each eye: C: conventional scattered treatment, G: cluster technique. Computerized perimetry was done within 10 days prior to PRP, and 4 to 8 weeks following it. We used the Octopus 500, programs 36 (0 to 30 degrees) and 44 (30 to 60 degrees). It appears that, before any treatment, there is a loss of retinal sensitivity excepted the more central zone. Concerning the loss of sensitivity, although the number of laser burns, is greater in group G, there is no statistical significative difference between the 2 groups. Nevertheless, it seems to be more heterogeneous in group G. However, we have not studied the visual field modifications after confluent PRP using up to 5,000 500 micron laser burns. Although there is a loss of retinal sensitivity after PRP, none of our patients complained of it. PRP seems to us to be the only treatment able to prevent the natural evolution of preproliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathies.