Physician Assistant Clinical Knowledge Rating And Assessment Tool (PACKRAT) 1 Practice Exam

Panretinal laser photocoagulation is used in diabetes to prevent which retinal condition?

proliferative retinopathy acute keratitis chronic glaucoma senile cataract

Correct Answer:

proliferative retinopathy

Explanation:

Panretinal laser photocoagulation targets retinal ischemia that drives new vessel growth in diabetes. By creating laser burns in the peripheral retina, it reduces retinal oxygen demand and lowers the production of VEGF, which fuels neovascularization. With less stimulus for new vessels, proliferative changes are suppressed, decreasing the risk of vitreous hemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment that can lead to vision loss. This is why the procedure is used to prevent proliferative diabetic retinopathy, not conditions like keratitis, glaucoma, or cataract, which involve different tissues and pathologies.

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