Pattern Scan Laser System vs. Regular Photocoagulation System: Changes in Contrast Sensitivity Post Treatment in Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

Purpose: : To assess changes in contrast sensitivity (CS) in patients with diabetic retinopathy treated with pattern scan laser system vs regular photocoagulation system.

Methods: : A randomized, prospective, comparative, open-label study. We evaluated contrast sensitivity changes in 26 eyes of 13 patients at baseline and 28 days after treatment. We treated 13 patients with diabetic retinopathy requiring bilateral panretinal photocoagulation with the regular photocoagulation system on the right eye and the pattern scan laser system on the left eye. The contrast sensitivity was assessed with the CVS-1000 test.

Results: : The media CS in the right eye at base line was 2.23±1.62 and in the left eye 2.51±1.4. Twenty-eight days after laser treatment the media CV in the right eye decreased to 1.2±1.2 and in the left eye 1.67±0.8.

Conclusions: : The CS decreased in both eyes regarding the laser treatment used. Nevertheless the eye treated with the pattern scan laser system shows a less CS lost.

Clinical Trial: : www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00563043

Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • contrast sensitivity • laser