RAPIDLY PROGRESSIVE OPTIC DISK NEOVASCULARIZATION AFTER DIABETIC PAPILLOPATHY

PURPOSE: To determine if diabetic papillopathy may be associated with optic disk neovascularization and visual loss. METHODS: We examined tw o young adults with bilateral diabetic papillopathy who had permanent loss of vision associated with rapidly progressive posterior segment n eovascularization. RESULTS: Within three months both patients develope d florid optic disk neovascularization, This neovascularization was sl ow to regress de spite full panretinal photocoagulation. One patient d eveloped a macular tractional retinal detachment. CONCLUSIONS: Diabeti c papillopathy may be associated with rapid progression of diabetic re tinopathy and, in particular, optic disk neovascularization. Patients should be monitored for this possibility.