[Has photocoagulation improved the prognosis of diabetic retinopathy?].

In 192 diabetic retinopathy cases, Xenon light coagulation was performed. Afterwards, the eyes treated were examined half yearly for at least 4 years. Fundus photography and fluorescein angiography were made and the visual acuity was checked. In 64 cases the comparison could have been made in the same patient between one treated and the other untreated eye. The statistical results of this study permit us to assess the therapeutic value of light coagulation for diabetic retinopathy.