Retina Vitreous · Diabetic retinopathy

Fundus photo of Lasered Proliferative diabetic retinopathy post PRP

Two key studies of PRP were published in the 1980s: the ETDRS9 and the Diabetic Retinopathy Study (DRS). The ETDRS recruited people with NPDR and people with PDR but without HRCs, and one aim was to determine when PRP should be used. In the EDTRS, laser treatment reduced the risk of moderate visual loss (a loss of three ETDRS lines) by 50%, but visual acuity (VA) improved in only 3% of patients. Laser has adverse side effects. Foveal burns, visual field defects, retinal fibrosis and laser scars have been reported. Ability to drive can be affected. Hence laser treatment is not undertaken lightly, and to extend it to people with NPDR would require careful consideration.

Contributed byDr. Sahil KumarResident, Na

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