Dynamics of Changes in Visual Evoked Potentials Values with the Advance of Retinal Changes in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore objectively the visual analyzer (VA) function by pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEPs) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and to compare the results with controls and between the different groups. Material and methods: This is a prospective observation study with 3-year duration (20142017). A group of 185 people was studied. Patients with DM were 138. They were divided into two main groups patients without DR and patients with DR. The first group consisted of two subgroups – patients with newly-diagnosed DM (33 people) and patients with DM duration longer than 1 year (mean DM duration 6.8 ± 4.2 years) (36 people). The second main group consists of patients with DR, divided into two subgroups – patients with initial DR (34 people) and patients with advanced DR (35 people). Controls for the EF studies were 47 healthy individuals. PVEPs were performed. The main variables that were considered in the results analysis were the latency and amplitude, reflecting the configuration of the wave forms. Results: PVEPs results were affected even in patients without DR. The changes in PVEPs values became more distinct in patients with initial DR group as а number of components with significant difference as well as a degree of significant difference, to reach their maximum number and significance manifestation peak in patients with advanced DR, the most affected by DM group. Conclusion: PVEPs studies could be used as an objective methods for registration of early changes in the VA function as a DM complication. Also, to monitor the changes in dynamics as they are non-invasive, harmless, fast, inexpensive and repeatable.