RESUMO
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes occurring in contrast sensitivity in eyes of diabetics with high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy receiving scatter laser panretinal photocoagulation. Thirty eyes of 30 diabetic patients showing high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy both by colored fundus photography and fluorescein angiography had their contrast sensitivity measured before and after scatter panretinal argon green laser photocoagulation to detect any significant changes related to laser application in such eyes. Contrast sensitivity curves were shown to be lower than normal in both pre- and post-laser conditions with post- treatment curves having higher values and reaching statistical significance only at higher spatial frequencies [P 0.000]. Panretinal laser photocoagulation, in addition of having a considerable effect in preventing visual loss in eyes with high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy, has also a demonstrable effect in improving contrast sensitivity, especially at higher spatial frequencies