Visual field loss after argon laser panretinal photocoagulation in diabetic retinopathy: full- versus mild-scatter coagulation.
PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to prospectively examine the effect of two styles of PRP, full- and mild-scatter on central and peripheral visual field in diabetic patients. METHODS: 40 eyes with preproliferative or early proliferative diabetic retinopathy of 32 patients underwent visual field testing on the C 30-1 and P 30/60-1 program of the Humphrey field analyser before and after argon laser panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). 21 eyes received full- and 19 mild-scatter PRP. RESULTS: Laser treatment had caused significant reduction of central retinal sensitivity in all eyes with no difference between full- and mild-scatter PRP. Peripheral visual field sensitivity was significantly improved after mild-scatter PRP and was significantly depressed after full-scatter PRP. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest, that two treatment produced essentially equal effects on central and different on peripheral visual field.