Diabetic Retinopathy and Visual Function Study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate possible mechanisms of central visual loss in patients with diabetes mellitus. The visual loss of interest to be investigated is that associated with macular edema (prior to and following laser photocoagulation treatment) and that associated with panretinal photocoagulation. The evaluation will be performed with psychophysical testing, i.e., static perimetry and contrast sensitivity function. Of particular interest, the mechanisms of visual loss associated with macular edema (prior to and following laser photocoagulation) will be further investigated. Photoreceptor-mediated visual loss will be assessed by measurements of the Stiles-Crawford effect. Visual loss mediated by post-receptoral retinal changes will be assessed by measuring the Westheimer spatial desensitization/sensitization effect.