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¹M.D. Professor, Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Bursa/TURKEY
²M.D., Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Bursa/TURKEY Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading reason for impaired vision of the elderly in industrialized world. Laser photocoagulation (FK) is still the golden standart of treatment. Multiclinical studies emphasized the benefits of laser FK in DMO, severe NPDR and PDR. New medical treatment approaches show promising results in DMO. FK indications, particularly combined approaches, seem to be considered and revised, if necessary, in the contex of these newer strategies.The hallmark of a succesful treatment is informing the patient extensively about the long duration of the procedure, close follow-up and possible diffuculties during treatment, before starting FK. They should be encouraged for the regulation of all the systemic factors. FA should be used as a guide of treatment. Correct wavelength, minimal dosage and time selection of the laser pulse enabling a sufficient retinal burn will help the clinician to avoid unwanted complications. The most common problem is unsufficient FK and follow-up. The destructive character of the treatment may give rise to several complications as reduced vision due to development of macula oedema, scotoma formations, visual field constriction and accomodation disturbances. Newer laser technology developments will be helping the ophthalmologists to perform more precise,less destructive laser FK and achieve better visual prognosis together with supplementary new medical treatment modalities. Keywords : Diabetic Retinopathy, laser photocoagulation, pan retinal