[Changes in the visual field in diabetic retinopathy after grid laser coagulation of the posterior pole of the eye]

Abstract

The influence of grid laser photocoagulation on the central visual field of 15 eyes with diffuse diabetic maculopathy was studied in a prospective clinical trial. Throughout the 3 month follow-up period, visual fields were monitored by static perimetry using a combination of 30-1 and 30-2 programs of the Humphrey Field Analyzer. Statistical analysis of all clinical parameters shows that visual acuity correlates very well with foveal light difference sensitivity. The overall sensitivity of the 30 degrees field, however, does not correlate significantly with either of them. During the follow-up period, patients' subjective vision improved significantly (p = 0.0234); for the overall sensitivity of the 30 degrees visual field there was a trend towards improvement (p = 0.0692). The sensitivities of the central 10 degrees and 3 degrees of the visual fields, of the fovea and visual acuity did not change. The results of the present study suggest that during the first 3 months after grid photocoagulation of diffuse diabetic macular edema, the treatment affects mainly the retina outside the macula. The improvement in patient vision may be due to these changes in the visual field.