RESUMO
To assess the outcome of laser photocoagulation treatment for diabetic retinopathy in relation to various risk factors. Method: The change in visual acuity shortly after laser photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy was assessed in 50 eyes of 25 patients and was compared to the age of onset of diabetes, type of retinopathy, pre treatment duration of diabetes, hypertension, microalbuminuria, smoking, dyslipedemia, associated complications of diabetes and type of treatment of diabetes. Results: Visual improvement was good in young diabetics, short duration of diabetes and parents having mild diabetic retinopathy. Factors having adverse effect on prognosis were longer duration of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipedemia, nephropathy and severe diabetic retinopathy. There was no significant influence of smoking, glycemic control, type of treatment, age of onset and sex of patients on visual outcome. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of retinopathy and initiation of specific treatment by laser photocoagulation at earlier stages with proper control of risk factors viz hypertension, dyslipidemia and nephropathy lead to a favourable visual outcome.