Rapidly progressive optic disk neovascularization after diabetic papillopathy.

PURPOSE: To determine if diabetic papillopathy may be associated with optic disk neovascularization and visual loss.

METHODS

We examined two young adults with bilateral diabetic papillopathy who had permanent loss of vision associated with rapidly progressive posterior segment neovascularization.

RESULTS

Within three months both patients developed florid optic disk neovascularization. This neovascularization was slow to regress despite full panretinal photocoagulation. One patient developed a macular tractional retinal detachment.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetic papillopathy may be associated with rapid progression of diabetic retinopathy and, in particular, optic disk neovascularization. Patients should be monitored for this possibility.