PubMed ID: 2912911
Author(s): Kaufman SC, Ferris FL 3rd, Seigel DG, Davis MD, DeMets DL. Factors associated with visual outcome after photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic Retinopathy Study Report #13. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1989 Jan;30(1):23-8. PMID 2912911
Journal: Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Volume 30, Issue 1, Jan 1989
Six risk factors for severe visual loss despite panretinal (scatter) photocoagulation were identified by analyzing data collected during the first 5 years after randomization in the Diabetic Retinopathy Study. Proportional hazards regression revealed NVD (neovascularization on/around the optic disc) to be the most important risk factor. The risk of severe visual loss rose with increasing NVD, hemorrhages/microaneurysms, retinal elevation, proteinuria, and hyperglycemia and fell with increasing “treatment density.” These results are similar to previous DRS findings on untreated eyes. The importance of “treatment density” as an independent predictor of visual outcome is a new finding and lends support to the common clinical practice of repeating photocoagulation if initial treatment does not reduce or stabilize retinal neovascularization.