The results of the use of argon laser coagulation in the treatment of dibetic retinopathy

A total of 182 patients (95 men and 87 women) aged 15-49 years with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus were treated using argon laser coagulation. Late results of laser therapy were followed up for 6 months to 3 years. In the patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR) on the fundus oculi the improvement consisted in partial resolution of solid exudative foci and retinal hemorrhages in 20%o of cases. In patients with preproliferative DR, soft exudative foci partially resolved and the number of retinal hemorrhages and microaneurysms decreased in 17%o of cases. In patients with proliferative DR, regressive development of proliferative tissue, desolation of newly formed vessels, and resolution of preretinal hemorrhages were observed in 13.9%o of cases. Stabilization for 3 years was attained in 75%) of patients with nonproliferative and proliferative and in 72.5%o of those with preproliferative DR.