BACKGROUND: The breakdown of the blood-retina barrier in diabetic patients is correlated with a dysfunction of the blood-aqueous barrier. In our study, we wanted to investigate the effect of grid photocoagulation in diabetic macular edema on the aqueous flare. METHODS: Modified grid pattern photocoagulation was performed on 20 patients with diabetic macular edema. The aqueous flare intensity was measured by the laser flare cell meter before and 4 months after laser treatment. RESULTS: The mean flare value was 9.8 +/- 4.7 photons/ms before laser treatment. After grid photocoagulation, the flare value was 7.1 +/- 3.6 photons/ms. Flare values were significantly decreased after laser treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a correlation between the effect of grid photocoagulation on the blood-retina barrier and the permeability of the blood-aqueous barrier. The laser flare intensity seems to be a quantitative indicator for the diabetic dysfunction of the blood-retina barrier. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel
BACKGROUND: The breakdown of the blood-retina barrier in diabeticpatients is correlated with a dysfunction of the blood-aqueous barrier. In our study, we wanted to investigate the effect of grid photocoagulation in diabetic macular edema on the aqueous flare. METHODS: Modified grid pattern photocoagulation was performed on 20 patients with diabetic macular edema. The aqueous flare intensity was measured by the laser flare cell meter before and 4 months after laser treatment. RESULTS: The mean flare value was 9.8 +/- 4.7 photons/ms before laser treatment. After grid photocoagulation, the flare value was 7.1 +/- 3.6 photons/ms. Flare values were significantly decreased after laser treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a correlation between the effect of grid photocoagulation on the blood-retina barrier and the permeability of the blood-aqueous barrier. The laser flare intensity seems to be a quantitative indicator for the diabetic dysfunction of the blood-retina barrier. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel