AIM: To explore the clinical value of fundus retinal argon laser photocoagulation combined with calcium dobesilate in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy(DR).

METHODS:A prospective study from August 2017 to August 2019 was conducted. Totally 182 patients(326 eyes)with DR were divided into two groups. The observation group received fundus retinal argon laser photocoagulation combined with calcium dobesilate, and the control group received fundus retinal argon laser photocoagulation. Flash electroretinography was performed before treatment and after treatment, and changes in a and b waves were recorded. Changes in the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), retinal neovascularization fluorescein leakage area, central macular thickness(CMT)and retinal microcirculation parameters were detected. The absorption time of retinal edema, bleeding and exudation was recorded, and the incidence of postoperative complications was counted.

RESULTS: At 6mo after treatment, a-wave and b-wave amplitudes of the two groups were decreased(P<0.001). The b-wave amplitude of observation group was larger than that of the control group(P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in a-wave and b-wave peak time and amplitudes between the two groups(P>0.05). The BCVA of the two groups was increased, and the macular leakage area and CMT were reduced(P<0.001). Compared with the control group, the BCVA of the observation group was higher, the macular leakage area and CMT were smaller, peak blood flow velocity and average blood flow velocity of the central retinal artery were higher, and the vascular resistance index and pulsatility index were lower(P<0.001). The absorption time of edema, bleeding and exudation was shorter in observation group than in the control group(P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of surgical complications between the two groups(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Fundus retinal argon laser photocoagulation combined with calcium dobesilate is superior to retinal photocoagulation alone in the treatment of DR. The former can promote the improvement of visual acuity, reduce fluorescein leakage, and promote the absorption of retinal edema, bleeding and exudation, which is conductive to improving retinal microcirculation and inhibiting neovascularization.