Objective To investigate the early effects of intervention with tanakan on retinal function in diabetic retinopathy(DR) after laser photocoagulation. Methods Prospective random controlled study was performed on 60 Patients (60 eyes) from 23 to 69 years old with DR(phase Ⅲ～Ⅳ). The multifocal electroretinograms (MERG) were tested with VERIS Ⅳ before, the 3rd day and the 7th day after photocoagulation. Results No significant differences were found in the latencies and response densities of N1,P1 and N2 between the two groups before photocoagulation. Compared with that before photocoagulation, three days after photocoagulation the latencies in tanakan group had no significant change. The response densities of N1,P1 and N2 reduced and the changes were much smaller than that in control. Three days after photocoagulation, the response densities of P1 and N2 in the central macula 5°area were much higher and the latencies of P1 and N2 were significantly shorter than that in control group. There were no significant differences in the response densities in the 7th day and the differences in the latencies between two groups still existed. Conclusion Tanakan may be effective in preventing the retina from damage of retinal photocoagulation in some degree in DR. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2002, 18: 208-211)