Background : With respect to neovascular deterioration of high risk diabetic retinopathy patients and controversy reports of diode laser treatment effects, the present study was carried out.

Materials and methods : This clinical trial was performed on 386 eyes of 224 patients. Neovascular formation was assessed around optic nerve or retina. If they were considered as the high risk group according to the DRS criteria, diode laser treatment would be achieved for 4-10 sessions. Then, patients were reevaluated and angiography would be carried out to decide whether to continue diode laser treatment. Role of diode laser treatment on neovascular deterioration of patients has been assessed on 3-month follow ups.

Results : Of 386 eyes, 210 (54.4%) have shown good response to diode laser treatment. In 31.3%, vascular deterioration was incomplete, whereas 14.3% had no response (p<0.000).

Conclusion : Diode laser treatment is an effective therapeutic approach for neovascular deterioration of high risk diabetic retinopathy patients.