Visual outcome in moderate and severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Four hundred eyes with moderate or severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy, initial good vision, and an average follow-up of 44.3 months were studied. Final visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 33% of these eyes, 20/50 to 5/200 in 32%, and 5/200 or worse in 35%. A poor visual prognosis was correlated with a traction detachment or relatively poor visual acuity at initial examination. No correlation was found between the length of follow-up and final visual prognosis. General guide-lines are available for the management of these patients' conditions.