COLOR CONTRAST SENSITIVITY AND PATTERN ELECTRORETINOGRAPHIC FINDINGS AFTER DIODE AND ARGON-LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION IN DIABETIC-RETINOPATHY

The retinal depth at which photocoagulation is maximal varies with wav elength. We compared visual function of eyes undergoing photocoagulati on by the near-infrared diode laser to the argon green laser. We treat ed 14 patients with diabetic retinopathy requiring bilateral panretina l photocoagulation with the diode laser on the right eye and the argon system on the left eye. Before and after treatment visual acuity, cen tral and peripheral color contrast sensitivity, and pattern electro-re tinograms were recorded. No difference was noted in the clinical respo nse or visual acuity outcome, but a tendency was observed for less dec line in color contrast sensitivity and pattern electroretinogram recor dings after diode laser photocoagulation. Although P values (.05 to .5 ) did not reach significance, a mean of 8.4 of 14 patients per test ha d better test results after diode laser treatment. Diode laser photoco agulation seems to be a viable alternative to argon laser treatment an d may be a more gentle mode of treatment.