AIM: To observe the therapeutic effect and safety of improved extra panretinal photocoagulation(E-PRP)in the treatment of high risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy(hsPDR).

METHODS: A total of 88 consecutive cases(102 eyes)with hsPDR were diagnosed by fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA)from February 2011 to December 2014 in our hospital. Fifty two eyes had been treated by improved E-PRP with 532nm frequency-doubled laser. Fifty eyes had been treated by standard PRP. All cases were checked by FFA and fundus photocoagulation every 3mo. Patients with persisting neovascularization or non perfusion area were treated with laser again. All cases were followed up 6-36mo.

RESULTS: The postoperative visual acuity had no statistical difference between two groups(P>0.05). In improved E-PRP group, retinal non perfusion area and neovascularization disappeared in 35 eyes(67%). Effective rate was 88%. Six eyes(12%)underwent pars plana vitrectomy because of vitreous hemorrhage, fiberosis and stretched retinal detachment. In standard PRP group, retinal nonperfusion area and neovascularization disappeared in 23 eyes(46%). Effective rate was 66%. Seventeen eyes(34%)underwent pars plana vitrectomy because of anterior retina bleeding or vitreous hemorrhage.The rate of neovascularization disappeared and effective rate had statistical difference between two groups(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: It is a safe and effective methods to treat hsPDR by improved E-PRP and it was more effective than traditional PRP.