Effects of treatment for diabetic retinopathy on reperfusion of the capillary bed

PURPOSE: We studied the effects of treatment for diabetic retinopathy on reperfusion and obstruction of the capillary bed. SUBJECT AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, we studied fluorescein angiograms of 66 patients (98 eyes) with diabetic retinopathy treated in our hospital between January 1998 and July 2002. Fluorescein angiography was performed at the first visit and each treatment (vitrectomy, photocoagulation, and follow-up). Angiographic findings of reperfusion and obstruction in the temporal raphe area were evaluated. RESULTS: In the patients who had undergone vitrectomy, reperfusion of the capillary bed was observed in 10 of 24 (42%) eyes and regularity or obstruction was observed in 14 (58%). In the patients treated by photocoagulation, reperfusion was observed in 11 of 56 (20%) eyes and regularity or obstruction was observed in 45 (80%). In the patients without treatment, reperfusion was observed in 1 of 18 (6 %) eyes and regularity or obstruction was observed in 17 (94%). CONCLUSION: Reperfusion of the capillary bed was significantly greater in the vitrectomy patients than in the photocoagulation and follow-up patients. Treatment for diabetic retinopathy influenced reperfusion and obstruction of the capillary bed in the temporal raphe area.