Immediate effects of panretinal photocoagulation laser on intraocular pressure in proliferative diabetic retinopathy Original research study

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Published: Oct 28, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24292/01.OT.171125
Keywords:
proliferative diabetic retinopathy, panretinal photocoagulation, intraocular pressure

Main Article Content

Mehmona Asgher
Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1265-1137
Abdul Hannan
Retina Department, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3127-8315
Ume Sughra
Research Department, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1460-6260
Saif Ullah
Optometry Department, Pakistan Institute of Ophthlamology, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3254-5585

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a major cause of global blindness, affecting approximately 93 million people worldwide. Its advanced stage, proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), involves abnormal blood vessel growth, treated with PRP laser and anti-VEGF therapy. PRP uses Nd:YAG lasers to target retinal areas treatment.


Objectives: To find out the Immediate effects of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) laser on intraocular pressure (IOP) in PDR and to check its association with age group, power group and number of shots group of PRP laser.


Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental pre and post-interventional study was carried out in Vitreo-retina Department of Tertiary Eye Care Hospital, from September 2020 to March 2021. A consecutive sampling technique was used. IOP was measured just before and after 20 min of laser with Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT). Along with IOP, power, pulses/shots and spot size applied during PRP laser were also noted in the self-structured proforma. Data was analyzed using SPSS.


Results: Out of total 90 subjects, the rise in IOP was observed in 54 (60%) subjects while IOP was decreased in 27 (30%) and in 9 (10%) subjects there were no changes noted in IOP after PRP laser. Paired t-test results showed that IOP before (16.10 [±4.11] mmHg) and IOP after (17.90 [±5.23] mmHg) had statistically significant differences t (89) = 4.179; p = 0.001. Independent samples t-test results showed that IOP differences had significant association with number of shots group of PRP laser p = 0.02, while it showed non-significant association with age group p 0.09 and power group of PRP laser p = 0.97 respectively.


Conclusion: Acute elevation in IOP was observed after PRP laser, number of shots applied during PRP laser had significant association with differences in IOP.

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How to Cite
1.
Asgher M, Hannan A, Sughra U, Ullah S. Immediate effects of panretinal photocoagulation laser on intraocular pressure in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Ophthatherapy [Internet]. 2025Oct.28 [cited 2026Apr.12];12(3):275-80. Available from: https://journalsmededu.pl/index.php/ophthatherapy/article/view/3197
Issue
Vol 12 No 3 (2025)
Section
Surgery and laser therapy
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