| Popis: |
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is one of the most severe complications of diabetes mellitus. In 1994, in St. Petersburg, a new system of ophthalmologic care for diabetic patients was set up. For Russia, this system represents an example of adequate care for subjects with DM, including screening strategies, documentation and education of patients and general ophthalmologists. According to our data, about one half of examined patients had DR, and about 20% of patients were in need of laser treatment. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in cases of severe DR, including advanced nonproliferative DR (preproliferative DR) and proliferative DR. Data concerning 1073 diabetics are included in this study. PRP was performed in 736 cases (1163 eyes). DR stabilization was estimated after one year follow-up PRP enabled preventing severe visual loss in patients with preproliferative DR and proliferative DR. Our system of specialized ophthalmic care for diabetic patients proved to be effective. |
