Prognosis of Panretinal Photocoagulation with More Than 3 Weeks Intervals

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: Photocoagulation is a very effective treatment for diabetic retinopathy, but in some cases visual loss occurs due to postoperative macular edema. To avoid visual loss after photocoagulation, we performed panretinal photocoagulation with longer intervals than usual. Methods: Fourty-one eyes performed panretinal photocoagulation with more than 3 weeks intervals were analyzed. Results: Decrease of visual acuity more than 2 lines was observed in 0.0% of the cases at less than 1 year follow-up period. Decrease of final visual acuity was observed in 31.7% and there was no statistical significance compared to the cases panretinal photocoagulation was performed with less than 3 weeks intervals. But the incidence of cases with poor prognosis was low (2.4%) at final examination. Conclusion: Panretinal photocoagulation with more than 3 weeks intervals did not affect the final visual prognosis but lessened the visual loss in early period after photocoagulation.

Keywords: 388 diabetic retinopathy • 454 laser • 353 clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications