Angiographic estimation of the effect of panretinal laser photocoagulation on evolution of neovascularization at proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Introduction: The most significant hallmark of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is development of new blood vessels at the optic nerve disc i.e. papilla, or along the course of the major vascular arcades of the retina. Aim: Conducting angiographic estimation of the effect of panretinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) on the prevention of further development and regression of already existing retinal new blood vessels, as well as qualification of the angiographic condition of residual neovascularization. Material and methods: The angiographic analysis of new blood vessels of the optic disc and retina has been carried out on 124 eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, before and after panretinal laser photocoagulation. Laser intervention was performed using the Zeiss apparatus VISULAS 532 with the application of monochromatic argon green radiation with a wave length of 532 nm. The average Mow-up period of treated eyes was 37 ±9 months. Results: The complete regression of newly formed blood vessels was achieved in 20.6% optic discs, and in 26.5% retinal neovascular formations. The additional angiographic stability of residual neovascular formations was achieved in 31.9% eyes with the optic disc and in 26.4% eyes with retinal neovascularization. The summary results of the anatomic and angiographic fundus condition improvements, in this study, were recorded on 52.6% treated eyes with the optic disc and on 54.9% treated eyes with retinal neovascularization. Conclusion: Although panretinal laser photocoagulation hardly brings to the complete elimination of neovascularization in approximately 1/4 of treated eyes, this treatment significantly reduces the ocular morbidity by more than 50%, even in cases where residual neovascularization exists.