A comparative trial of xenon arc and argon laser photocoagulation in the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

We present the results of a randomised study comparing xenon arc and argon laser photocoagulation in the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Our results show that when used in the way described there is no significant difference between the effect of the 2 treatments on optic disc neovascularisation and visual acuity. We also compare the results of peripheral retinal ablation with those of panphotocoagulation in the argon and xenon groups. The results suggest that in some patients peripheral treatment may be sufficient to cause regression of disc neovascularisation.