Argon laser choroidotomy for drainage of subretinal fluid
J. A. Bovino, D. F. Marcus and P. T. Nelsen
We used the argon laser to perforate the choroid and drain subretinal fluid
during retinal detachment surgery in 24 consecutive patients. The procedure
was successful in 23 of 24 patients (95.8%). The laser settings required
for perforation ranged from 0.02 to 0.2 s and from 200 mW to 2.0 W. Because
it is not necessary to enter the subretinal space with a solid, pointed
object, laser choroidotomy may reduce the incidence of retinal perforation.
In addition, the laser has the advantage of cauterizing small vessels
during choroidal puncture, which may reduce bleeding at the time of
drainage.
