Changes of Macular Thickness after Panretinal Photocoagulation related to Fluorescein Leakage in Diabetic Retinopathy without Macular Edema

Abstract

Purpose: : To evaluate changes of macular thickness after panretinal photocoagulation(PRP) related to degree of fluorescein leakage in diabetic retinopathy without macular edema.

Methods: : Eyes having diabetic retinopathy without macular edema were divided into three groups according to degree of fluorescein leakage at 9 subfields in 6mm area of the macula. Macular thickness at 9 subfields were measured using OCT before and after PRP. Cases with history of focal laser or intravitreal injection for macular edema were excluded.

Results: : We retrospectively studied 64 eyes from 50 patients with diabetic retinopathy. The changes of macular thickness at central 1mm diameter were significantly different among 3 groups according to fluorescein leakage at 1mm diameter (p=0.004, by oneway ANOVA). The changes of macular thickness at 3mm and 6mm diameter were also significantly different among 3 groups according to fluorescein leakage at 1mm diameter (p=0.003, 0.004 by oneway ANOVA). The changes of visual acuity before and after PRP were not different among 3 groups.

Conclusions: : The degree of fluorescein leakage at fovea in diabetic retinopathy without macular edema was predictive for development of macular edema after PRP.

Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • edema • laser