Can vitreous fluorophotometry predict the necessity for photocoagulation? A 5-year follow-up study

Purpose: To examine the long-term outcome of vitreous fluorophotometry incl uding the predictability of retinopathic proliferative development in diabe tic subjects. Methods: 21 diabetic subjects were examined by long-term kinetic vitreous f luorophotometry and their barrier properties, as revealed by a permeability -index, were compared to a group of normal subjects. 13 diabetics were clas sified as having a high permeability-index, while 8 diabetics were classifi ed as having a low permeability-index. The two groups were followed for 5 y ears with regard to development of proliferative retinopathy. Results: 6 of 13 diabetics with a high permeability-index developed prolife rative retinopathy within the 5-year follow-up period. This was in contrast to the low permeability-index group where none of 8 diabetics developed pr oliferative retinopathy, Conclusions An increased permeability-index points towards an increased ris k of development of proliferative retinopathy.