Incremental panretinal photocoagulation. Results in treating proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Since 1977, the author has treated proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) under a protocol using DRS-style panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), with supplemental PRP, panretinal cryotherapy, and vitrectomy as needed. A total of 55 eyes (33 patients) were started on this protocol between 1/1/77 and 4/30/82. Follow-up averages 33 months (range: 12-80 months). Forty-nine eyes (89%) required PRP only; two eyes received panretinal cryotherapy, and four had vitrectomies. Visual acuity was maintained or improved in 44 eyes (80%); 48 eyes (87%) retained visual acuity of 20/100 or better. The major cause of visual loss was diabetic maculopathy.