Evaluation on the efficacy of early in tervention of retinal photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of retinal photocoagulation for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy(DR). Methods Health education was given to 229 patients with DR for 6 months. DR prevention levels of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) and blood glucose control were compared between before and after intervention with the questionnaire. Retinal photocoagulation were performed in 208 eyes of 129 patients with severe non-proliferative DR. The efficacy were observed. Results The level of DR prevention levels of KAP and blood glucose control were improved in DR patients after education. The visual acuity was improved in 42 eyes after retinal photocoagulations, unchanged in 109 eyes, and the total effective rate was 72.6%. Conclusion The prevention KAP level and blood glucose control of patients with DR are improved after health education. Retinal photocoagulation for the treatment of DR is effective. The combination of two methods is important to control DR development and reduces severe visual impairment and improve the quality of life. Key words: Retinopathy, diabetic; Knowledge, attitude, practice; Health education; Photocoagulation, retinal