Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the effect on visual functions of laser panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) as a treatment for bilateral Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Methods: :
In this study, the longer version of the National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25+Optional Items) was used to evaluate the qualitative changes in patients’ vision. 20 patients (12 males and 8 females) with bilateral Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (or unilateral if monocularly deprived) treated with PRP were included (median of age: 62.5 , range: 27-80). Patients received 4,123 laser spots (200 um) per eye in average, in consecutive sessions. The VFQ-25 was filled in by interview twice, at the beginning and at least one month after the completion of the PRP. The score for each question was noted at a scale of 100 and all the questions were classified in 12 categories, equally counted among at the final score. According to our sample, after appropriate power calculation, a difference of 20 points was accepted as statistically significant difference between the 2 sessions.
Results: :
60% (12 out of 20) of the patients didn’t report significant changes at the quality of their vision after the treatment with PRP, whereas a 25% (5 out of 20) stated significant amelioration and another 15% (3 out of 20) significant deterioration of their vision. Additionally, there was no significant difference in any of the questionnaire subscales.
Conclusions: :
Panretinal photocoagulation as applied in our study, although destructive in nature, is well tolerated by the patients, without interfering significantly with their quality of life.
Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • quality of life • laser