[Therapeutic effect of argon green laser for diabetic retinopathy].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the therapeutic effect of argon green laser for improving the visual acuity and relieving diabetic macular oedema in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR).


METHODS
In patients with preproliferative DR (PPDR) and proliferative DR (PDR), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) was performed to locate the area or spot where leakage occurred, followed by argon green laser photocoagulation of the identified leakage. In the 1-year-long follow-up study, both the visual acuity and changes in diabetic macular oedema were observed in both groups.


RESULTS
Altogether 136 eyes (86 cases) were treated with argon green laser photocoagulation, and 87.50% of them showed improvement or maintenance of the visual acuity, and 87.95% showed alleviation of diabetic macular oedema. Better therapeutic effects were achieved in PPDR than PDR group, with statistically significant difference.


CONCLUSIONS
Argon green laser can be an effective treatment modality for diabetic maculopathy and may improve or maintain the visual acuity of the patients, but the effects can be related to the stage of the disease. Earlier intervention ensures better results.
Tang
Liu-ping
LP
Department of Ophthalmology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou 545001, China.
Feng
Hai-yan
HY
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D014792:Visual Acuity