Long-term outcome after photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
One-hundred and forty patients with 182 treated eyes were followed for up to 10 years after photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Sixty-eight patients were still alive and under review after 10 years. Mortality was 33% at 10 years and the survivors were younger when treated and had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures, a lower urea and creatinine and a lower prevalence of proteinuria and ECG evidence of ischaemia at baseline. Sixty-nine percent of all patients and 82% of those followed up for 10 years maintained good vision (6/12 or better) in their better eye at the last follow-up. Visual deterioration occurred mostly in the first 2 years after treatment and risk factors for poor final vision were poor vision at baseline, severity of disc new vessels, and age at presentation. It is concluded that the short-term beneficial effect of photocoagulation is maintained over long periods of follow-up.
Sullivan
P
P
Department of Medicine, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London, UK.
Caldwell
G
G
Alexander
N
N
Kohner
E
E
D000328:Adult; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008028:Light Coagulation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D014792:Visual Acuity