INFLUENCE OF LASER COAGULATION THERAPY ON UNTREATED FELLOW-EYES IN SEVERE NONPROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC-RETINOPATHY - SPECTROMETRIC RESULTS

Purpose: The aim was to examine the influence of laser treatment on un treated fellow-eyes. Methods: The effectiveness of the laser photocoag ulation was investigated in 24 patients with type II diabetes mellitus and severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy Using a spectrometri c technique, the measurements in the macula were performed one day bef ore laser coagulation and on the day directly following laser treatmen t, Further investigations took place 14 days and 6 weeks later. Result s One day after coagulation, the reflection of the untreated fellow-ey es was found to be significantly increased between 530 and 600 nm, com pared to the same eyes before coagulation, However, 14 days and 6 seek s after laser treatment alterations in the untreated eyes were no long er detectable. Conclusion: The choroidal blood volume seems to be decr eased not only in coagulated eyes, but also in untreated fellow-eyes, and, presumedly, the choroidal blood flow is improved, Considering the short duration of these effects, a therapeutic consequence is not sup posed.