Photocoagulation therapy of proliferative retinopathy in young onset Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes

Abstract

Summary Fifty-one young onset Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy before the age of 25 years were treated over a 3 year period by xenon photocoagulation. A few were treated additionally by argon laser, cryoor diathermycoagulation. The results of therapy with respect to both fundus disease and visual acuity were highly dependent on the fundus changes at the beginning of photocoagulation. After 3 years, 65% of eyes with peripheral neovascularization alone did not develop any new vessels. In contrast, only 20% with disc new vessels did not develop further neovascularization. Vitreous haemorrhage further reduced this percentage. The presence of blindness 3 years after treatment was rare in eyes with peripheral neovascularization alone (3%). However, 52% of eyes with disc neovascularization and vitreous haemorrhages were blind 3 years later.