TABLE 7

SIDE EFFECTS AND COMPLICATIONS OF TREATMENT FOR DIABETIC RETINOPATHY Treatment Focal laser photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema Side Effect/Complication Initial decrease in central vision Paracentral scotomas if laser burns have been placed close to the fovea, especially large or confluent burns114 Permanent central scotoma from inadvertent foveal burns Central vision loss from macular edema43 Peripheral visual field constrictions with poor dark adaptation Vitreous hemorrhage if neovascularization is present Loss of accommodation115 Recurrent vitreous hemorrhage116 Retinal detachment117 Rubeosis iridis118 Severe visual loss117,119 Microbial endophthalmitis120 Cataract121 Cataract progression with intravitreal corticosteroid administration122,123 Elevated intraocular pressure with intravitreal corticosteroid administration122,123 Infectious endophthalmitis Transient sterile inflammatory reactions Possible systemic effect from intravitreal medication

Panretinal photocoagulation (scatter) for severe NPDR or PDR

Vitrectomy

Intravitreal injections

NPDR = nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy; PDR = proliferative diabetic retinopathy