Cryoretinopexy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

Cryoretinopexy can be used in the management of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Indications include retinal neovascularization following photocoagulation or with opaque media, and anterior segment neovascularization. Of the six eyes in five patients treated with transconjunctival cryoretinopexy only one demonstrated regression of neovascularization; in this group, vision improved in two eyes, remained the same in three eyes and decreased in one eye. Of the 14 eyes in 14 patients treated with anterior transscleral cryoablation 5 demonstrated regression of posterior segment neovascularization and 2 demonstrated regression of anterior segment neovascularization; in this group, vision improved in 3 eyes, remained the same in 2 eyes and decreased in 9 eyes. No complications were associated with transconjunctival therapy, whereas uveitis (in 14 eyes), vitreous hemorrhage (in 2 eyes) and traction retinal detachment (in 5 eyes) were noted following transscleral therapy. Further studies are required to determine the risk/benefit ratio of cryoablation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.