AIM: To investigate the clinical value of epalrestat combined with compound anisodine in treatment of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR).

METHODS: According to the random remainder method, they were divided into A, B and C three groups. Group A was treated with calcium dobesilate, group B was treated with epalrestat, and group C was treated with epalrestat combined with compound anisodine. All groups were treated for 6mo. The BCVA and fundus color photos, fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA), oscillatory potentials of electroretinogram(ERG-Ops)and optical coherence tomography(OCT)were performed before and after 1mo, 3mo and 6mo of treatment. The therapeutic effect was evaluated.

RESULTS: Before treatment, there was no statistical difference among the three groups in BCVA, Ops wave amplitude or central macular thickness(P>0.05). The BCVA was improved, Ops wave amplitude was increased and the central macular thickness was decreased in the three groups after 1mo, 3mo and 6mo of treatment. Compared with the same group before treatment, there were statistically significant differences(P<0.05). The improvement of visual acuity at different time and the increase of Ops wave amplitude were better in group B than group A, better in group C than group B, while the decrease of central macular thickness was greater in group B than group A, greater in group C than group B(all P<0.05). The total effective rate among the three groups were significant difference(P<0.05), and the total effective rate of group C was better than that of group B and group A(P<0.0167).

CONCLUSION: Epalrestat combined with compound anisodine is effective in treatment of DR. The combined treatment can significantly improve the visual acuity, relieve macular edema and promote the recovery of retinal function.