AIM: To explore the significance of contrast sensitivity(CS)for diabetic retinopathy(DR)between the stage of pan retinal photocoagulation(PRP).

METHODS: A total of 49 case(87 eyes)of DR was divided into three stages by the fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA), the first group was the stage of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR)(25 eyes), the second group was the stage of pre-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PPDR)(27 eyes), the third group was the stage proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)(35 eyes). 532nm laser was used to have PRP for the PPDR and PDR groups, and retreated for 3-4 times, the CS and eye sight was performed around the stage of PRP.

RESULTS: After the laser, the eye sight was increased in 22 eyes, decreased in 6 eyes and unchanged in 34 eyes. There were significant differences around the stage of PRP in CS. The differences in middle and high frequency were significant(P<0.05)between the control group and the laser group before PRP. After PRP, low and middle frequency had no significant difference(P>0.05)between PPDR and control group, and each frequency had significant difference(P<0.05)between PDR and control group.

CONCLUSION: CS is an important method of evaluation of the changes the DR, and can become the guiding and proof of PRP in the treatment of DR.