VISUAL OUTCOME POST RETINAL LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

BACKGROUND Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a global epidemic with significant morbidity. Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is the specific microvascular complication of DM and affects 1 in 3 persons with DM. DR remain a leading cause of vision loss in working adult populations. Patients with severe levels of DR are reported to have poorer quality of life and reduced levels of physical, emotional and social wellbeing and they utilise more healthcare resources. The aim of the study is to determine the visual outcome of laser treatment in diabetic retinopathy patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 100 eyes of 60 patients with diabetic retinopathy in different stages were subjected to retinal laser photocoagulation using double frequency Nd:YAG laser. Focal laser was used in 9 eyes, panretinal photocoagulation was done in 55 eyes, grid and panretinal photocoagulation was done in 32 eyes and grid and focal laser was done in 2 eyes. The best corrected visual acuity was noted and fundus examination was carried out prior to photocoagulation and at follow up visits. At last follow up, results were assessed. Design- Prospective, non-comparative study. RESULTS Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy was present in 82 eyes. Following laser treatment, best corrected visual acuity improved in 17%, remained static in 81% and deteriorated in 2%. Maculopathy improved in 11%, remained static in 89%. After laser BCVA in PDR improved in 6% and remained unchanged in 94%. In male patients following laser BCVA improved in 11%, remained static in 87% and in females BCVA improved in 23% and remained static in 74%. CONCLUSION Our study concludes that retinal laser photocoagulation plays an important role in stabilisation of vision in patients with diabetic retinopathy. There was no gender or age-related bias in the results of study. HbA1c value has no predictive role in visual outcome post retinal laser photocoagulation