Panretinal photocoagulation laser in diabetic retinopathy patients

Background: It was reported that corneal endothelial cell depletion is a complication of the retinal laser. In this study, the effect of panretinal laser on corneal endothelium was investigated. Method: A group consisting of 47 eyes of 47 Diabetic patients who need a panretinal photocoagulation laser was compared with another group of 47 diabetic patients who did not require a laser. The patient's age was chosen in the range of 50-70 and the tools included Ellex double frequency LASER, Specular microscopy, Pachymetry, and Condense Lens 90. Time course of coefficient of variation, endothelial cell density, hexagonal cells and central corneal thickness were evaluated. ANOVA, Dennett's, and Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the data. P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We found no significant differences in age, gender between the two groups. There was no significant differences in hexagonal cells, coefficient of variation, endothelial cell density and central corneal thickness between the two groups at any time points. Conclusion: This study suggests that the "panretinal photocoagulation laser conserves corneal endothelial cells of subsequent damage in diabetic retinopathy patients