COMPLICATIONS OF PHOTOCOAGULATION FOR DIA BETIC-RETINOPATHY

Photocoagulation of diabetic retinopathy may provoke a number of compl ications. Some of them result from technical errors and can be prevent ed. Others may occur even if the treatment is performed by an experien ced ophthalmologist. Anterior segment complications such as corneal or lenticular burns are unfrequent. Most of the complications occur in t he retina. The accidental photocoagulation of the fovea is the result of a technical error. Other complications such as increased macular oe dema or haemorrhages can usually be avoided by using appropriate techn iques. Colour vision alterations, increased perimetric deficits or hem eralopia are often unavoidable in panretinal photocoagulation for prol iferative diabetic retinopathy.