Electrophysiologic Changes After Panretinal Argon Laser Photocoagulation in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in functions of the retina and electrophysiologic tests after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Material and Methods: 21 eyes of 21 diabetic patients with diabetic retinopathy who received laser treatment were included in the study. At each visit a complete ophthalmic examination was performed including electrophysiologic tests (ERG, PERG, PVER and FVER). Results: When compared with pretreatment values there was not a statistically significant reduction in the amplitudes and latencies of P50 and N95 waves of PERG, P 100 waves of PVER at the first month recordings after PRP. However we found a statistically significant reduction in the b wave amplitude of rod response, maximal combined response and cone response at the first month recordings after PRP. Conclusion: These findings indicated that both rods and cones could be damaged during the PRP treatment, however the damage might be more significant in the rod photoreceptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]