AIM:To investigate the effect of calcium dobesilate in the treatment of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR)after panretinal laser photocoagulation.

METHODS: A total of 40 patients(62 eyes)with clinically diagnosed severe NPDR were randomly divided into control group(22 cases,31 eyes)and study group(18 cases,31eyes). Two groups were all given pan-retinal photocoagulation treatment, while the study group continued to receive calcium dobesilate for 12mo after treatment. After 12mo, before treatment and 12mo after treatment, the changes of best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),average threshold sensitivity, and retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL)thickness were compared between two groups.

RESULTS: The response rate was 55% and 84%, respectively in the control group and study group, the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). Compared to the pre-treatment measurement, the average threshold sensitivity and RNFL were reduced at 12mo after treatment in control group, the difference were statistically significant(P<0.05). Compared to the pre-treatment measurement, the average threshold sensitivity and RNFL were reduced at 12mo after treatment in study group, the difference were not statistically significant(P>0.05). At 12mo after treatment, the difference of the average threshold sensitivity and RNFL between two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: calcium dobesilate could be effective in preventing the retina from damage of retinal photocoagulation in DR. Compared with simple laser photocoagulation, panretinal laser photocoagulation combined with calcium dobesilate can improve curative effect and visual acuity in NPDR patient.