Retinal cryopexy in the management of proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Peripheral retinal cryopexy resulted in stabilization of progressive retinopathy and vitreous hemorrhage in 13 eyes of 13 diabetics. In most cases, cryopexy followed complete or nearly complete pan-retinal photocoagulation which did not prevent subsequent vitreous hemorrhage. No eyes in our series hemorrhaged following cryopexy during the period of postoperative observation. Existing vitreous opacities generally cleared sufficiently to permit further photocoagulation. Visual acuity did not decrease on the basis of hemorrhage after cryotherapy, but rather improved in most cases. Peripheral retinal cryopexy is recommended as an alternative to vitrectomy for the initial treatment of recurrent and persistent diabetic vitreous hemorrhage.