[Results of YAG-laser vitreolysis in proliferative diabetic retinopathy complicated by vitreous hemorrhage].

Purpose: To determine the efficiency of YAG-laser vitreolysis in patients with diabetic vitreous hemorrhage.

Material And Methods: The study enrolled 56 patients (61 eyes) with proliferative diabetic retinopathy complicated by vitreous hemorrhage aged 36-69 years, including 31 women (34 eyes) and 25 men (27 eyes), who underwent YAG-laser vitreolysis. Assessment methods included visual acuity measurement, tonometry, ophthalmic biomicroscopy, glycated hemoglobin blood test and ultrasound exams (B-scan and quantitative echography). YAG-laser vitreolysis was performed with Alcon 3000 LE laser (USA).

Conclusions: YAG-laser vitreolysis promotes resolution of vitreous hemorrhage in patients with complicated proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Clearance efficiency and the time required depend on the size and density of the hemorrhage as well as the time elapsed since the event. Ultrasound examination is the leading diagnostic method for diabetic vitreous hemorrhage. Density decrease at quantitative echography indicates clearing of the hemorrhage. For the maximal therapeutic effect of YAG-laser vitreolysis, carbohydrate metabolism has to be properly compensated. Few contraindications and minimal complications are benefits of YAG-laser vitreolysis.