[Focal epiretinal fibroplasias overlying photocoagulations in diabetic retinopathy (author's transl)]

Abstract

This clinico-pathological study compares photocoagulated diabetic retinae with cases of spontaneous epiretinal fibroplasia. Focal epiretinal fibroplasias were found overlying 5-10% of the Xenon-arc photocoagulations but not over Ruby-laser coagulations. These foci are contiguous-forming membranes but they do not cause surface wrinkling. The topography and appearance of the fibrous components of these membranes in trypsin-digest specimens are described and compared with foci of spontaneous epiretinal surface wrinkling. Destruction of the inner retinal surface by heavy coagulation is believed to be the principal cause of focal post-photocoagulation fibroplasia. Other possible pathogenetic factors are discussed.