Abstract
ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Panretinal photocoagulation, an important treatment method in diabetic retinopathy, can affect macular pigment optical density, which has protective and antioxidant properties. As a result of this effect, the retina may become more sensitive to high‐energy visible light. Background The current study assesses the effect of panretinal photocoagulation treatment on macular pigment optical density, which has essential functions for the retina. Methods In this prospective clinical study, the colour perimetry method was used to measure macular pigment optical density. Thirty‐six eyes of 36 participants with severe non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular involvement were included in the study. Conventional panretinal photocoagulation treatments were applied at baseline, one month, two months, and at three months to the participants who clinically required this treatment. Macular pigment optical density and retinal thickness measurements were performed at baseline, months one, two, three and six. Results The mean macular pigment optical density reduction in the fovea over the six-months was 0.02 ± 0.02 logarithmic units (p < 0.001). Similarly, the pericentral areas declined by 0.04 ± 0.03 logarithmic units (p < 0.001). Mean central macular thickness and foveal thickness increased by 5.03 ± 5.02 μm and 2.78 (interquartile range 2–4) μm, respectively. In this study, correlation analysis shows that the laser energy applied was significantly and strongly correlated with reductions in macular pigment optical density (for the fovea and pericentral area respectively: r = −0.855, p < 0.001; r = −0.895, p < 0.001). Further, there were significant and strong correlations between the applied laser energy, and central macular thickness and fovea thickness (r = 0.751, p < 0.001; ρ = 0.718, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion Panretinal photocoagulation may potentially cause a decrease in macular pigment density in proportion to the laser energy applied.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
