Effect of PRP on Visual Acuity, Visual Field and Subjective Symptoms in Very Severe NPDR

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) on visual acuity, visual field and subjective symptoms in very severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) patients. METHODS: Forty eyes of 20 patients with NPDR were evaluated. Complete ophthalmic examination, visual acuity, Humphrey field test and interview of questionnaire were evaluated before, 2 and 8 weeks after PRP. RESULTS: The mean corrected visual acuity was not significantly changed from before PRP to 2, 8 weeks after PRP (p>0.05). Visual field deteriorated in 2 weeks and then improved in 8 weeks after PRP, however the recovery did not reach to pre-PRP level (p0.05). Thoses number decreased in 15~30degrees field (p<0.01) following PRP. In spite of deterioration of visual field after PRP, subjective symptoms was rarely noted. CONCLUSIONS: Our result suggest that early PRP may be advisable for very severe NPDR patients to prevent the development of possible visual field deterioration following PRP.