Optic disc neovascularisation in diabetic retinopathy: II. Natural history and results of photocoagulation treatment.

Abstract

Diabetic patients [67] with new proliferation on the nerve head (neovascularization of the disc [NVD] and fibrous proliferation of the disc [FPD]) were followed for 4 yr. The patients were randomly assigned for treatment with Arg laser and Xe photocoagulation in only 1 eye, with the other eye serving as a control. The disc condition was periodically evaluated for NVD, FPD and the relations between them according to a grading taxonomy. Significant differences exist in NVD and FPD evolution between treated and untreated eyes. The various parameters concerned with these differences were analyzed and correlated.