Controversial aspects of ablative photocoagulation in diabetic retinopathy (d.r).

In recent years ablative treatment of advanced diabetic retinopathy has gained more and more adherents. However, most cases of proliferative retinopathy, even if they are advanced, can be treated successfully by restricting xenon-or laser-coagulation to pathologic areas, while sparing healthy-looking parts of the retina. It is felt that destruction of large parts of the retinal periphery should be reserved for special cases only. In those cases where the fundus is clouded by abundant hemorrhages and vitrectomy does not seem advisable, ablative treatment should be tried ab externo by means of diathermy or cryoapplication.