Automatic static threshold perimetry is useful for estimating the effects of laser photocoagulation on diabetic...

Focal photocoagulation was performed on 18 eyes in 18 diabetes patients; a visual acuity test, fluorescein angiography and automated static threshold perimetry by Octopus automated static perimetry (program 31) were conducted before and 1, 3 and 6 months after krypton laser photocoagulation. Central field sensitivity and total loss were measured by automated static threshold perimetry. Group A (13 eyes) had a total loss of less than 150 dB. In these subjects, mild fluorescein leakage was detected within the area of the vascular arcade. In group B (5 eyes) with a total loss of greater than 150 dB, diffuse fluorescein leakage was also detected outside the vascular arcade. The central field sensitivity was reduced in 2 eyes of group B. The total loss worsened in 8 eyes of group A (61.5%) and 5 eyes of group B (100%). Inspection of photographs gave the impression that the degree of fluorescein leakage and the area of the avascular zone on fluorescein angiography accorded with total loss, thus suggesting that total loss reflects visual functions better than visual acuity or central field sensitivity. Therefore, automated static threshold perimetry appears to be a useful method for estimating visual functions after photocoagulation in diabetic maculopathy patients.