Treatment of Florid Diabetic Retinopathy by Panretinal Photocoagulation andEarly Vitrectomy

Overview

Florid diabetic retinopathy (FDR) is a bilateral form of very severe ischemicretinopathy of younger-onset insulin-dependent diabetics (IDDM) characterizedby rapid progression, high risk of vitreous hemorrhage and blindness. Functionalprognosis of FDR depends on 1. early determination of diagnosis according tobiomicroscopical and fluoroangiographical examinations, 2. immediate extensi-ve panretinal photocoagulation (PRF), 3. early pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) forvitreous hemorrhage or active fibrovascular proliferations, 4. satisfactory com-pensation of IDDM and education of patients. In the study we observed generalrisk factors of FDR and retrospectivally evaluated anatomic and functionaloutcomes of FDR treatment of 9 patients (18 eyes, 6 males and 3 females) with anage from 17 to 39 year (range 26.3 year) in the period of determination of diagnosisof FDR, treated in the period January 1992 - February 1999 by extensive PRF (16eyes) and PPV (11 eyes). This paper suggests that despite the severity of FDR,extensive PRF and PPV can essentially slow the progression toward blindness.

Key words:
florid diabetic retinopathy, panretinal photocoagulation, vitrectomy