Abstract

We recently outlined the treatment of diabetic retinopathy by the xenon-arc photocoagulator and argon laser.¹ We now discuss who should be referred for this treatment. About 10% of patients attending a general diabetic clinic have a retinopathy which may need treatment.² Photocoagulation can reduce the incidence of blindness in over 60% of those patients with proliferative retinopathy or diabetic maculopathy.³