Management of proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is characterized by neovascularization originating from the retina and/or optic disk in patients with diabetes mellitus. The role of vascular endothelial growth factor appears to be central in the pathogenesis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Advanced glycation end products are important in the development of vitreous abnormalities in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The majority of the neovascular membranes are adherent to the posterior vitreous cortex. When the posterior hyaloid exerts traction, the edges of the neovascular complex are pulled forward, resulting in vitreous hemorrhage. Tractional and/or rhegmatogenous retinal detachments can occur. The Diabetic Retinopathy Study demonstrated the ability of panretinal photocoagulation to reduce the rate of severe visual loss by 50% for eyes with high-risk characteristics, defined as neovascularization originating from the optic disk > 1/3 disk diameter, any neovascularization originating from the optic disk with hemorrhage, and neovascularization originating from the retina with vitreous hemorrhage. The Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study showed that patients with type II diabetes mellitus who were older than 40 with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (defined as hemorrhages in four quadrants, venous beading in two quadrants, or intraretinal microvascular abnormalities in one quadrant) also benefited from early panretinal photocoagulation. The Diabetic Retinopathy Vitrectomy Study showed that early vitrectomy (within 6 months of onset of vitreous hemorrhage) was associated with better results in type I diabetes mellitus patients only. The goals of vitreous surgery are to remove the vitreous, including the posterior hyaloid, and to relieve traction from fibrovascular tissue. Delamination and segmentation techniques have been used in the excision of fibrovascular growth on the internal limiting membrane and extending into the vitreous. Panretinal photocoagulation is an integral component of vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents may be used in addition to laser as an adjunct to reduce the risk of neovascularization. Vitrectomy surgery may have intraoperative and postoperative complications, including cataract, anterior hyaloidal fibrovascular proliferation, fibrovascular ingrowth, retinal detachment, and recurrent vitreous hemorrhage. Visual potential depends on the preoperative and postoperative status of the macula, as well as on retinal perfusion and the health of the optic nerve. With the improvement in instruments, techniques, and drugs, the results of vitrectomy in proliferative diabetic retinopathy are improving.