Can vitreous fluorophotometry predict the necessity for photocoagulation? A 5-year follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the long-term outcome of vitreous fluorophotometry including the predictability of retinopathic proliferative development in diabetic subjects.


METHODS
21 diabetic subjects were examined by long-term kinetic vitreous fluorophotometry and their barrier properties, as revealed by a permeability-index, were compared to a group of normal subjects. 13 diabetics were classified as having a high permeability-index, while 8 diabetics were classified as having a low permeability-index. The two groups were followed for 5 years with regard to development of proliferative retinopathy.


RESULTS
6 of 13 diabetics with a high permeability-index developed proliferative retinopathy within the 5-year follow-up period. This was in contrast to the low permeability-index group where none of 8 diabetics developed proliferative retinopathy.


CONCLUSIONS
An increased permeability-index points towards an increased risk of development of proliferative retinopathy.
Knudsen
L L
LL
Department of Ophthalmology, Aalborg Sygehus Syd, Denmark.
Nielsen-Kudsk
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001813:Blood-Retinal Barrier; D002199:Capillary Permeability; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D015590:Fluorophotometry; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014822:Vitreous Body