[Effect of calcium dobesilate on progression of diabetic retinopathy]

The increase of platelet aggregation, plasma and whole blood viscosity and the decrease of red cell deformability in patients with diabetes mellitus may be causative in the development of retinopathy. A therapy influencing these factors maybe prevents retinopathy or slows progression.

In a clinical and prospective study over 2 years 74 patients aged 20 to 69 years with a mild background retinopathy were randomly assigned to take oral 3 x 500 mg calcium dobesilate (Doxium) or no therapy. Both groups did neither differ in demographic nor in laboratory data. In fluorescein angiography following characteristics of retinopathy were graded: microaneurysms, size and outline of foveal avascular zone, capillary loss and severity of dye leakage. Additionally in 15 patients contrast sensitivity, visual fields and oscillatory potentials were investigated.

The results of the fluorescein angiographical characteristics revealed no statistically significant difference between both groups. In the oscillatory potentials a significant shortening of latency could be found in both groups, but there was no difference between the groups.

A 2-years application of calcium dobesilate has no statistically significant influence on the progression of diabetic retinopathy.