Irradiation of the posterior ocular segment with the neodymium-YAG laser in its free-running mode

F. Fankhauser, S. Kwasniewska and E. van der Zypen

A neodymium-YAG laser, operating in its free-running mode with pulse durations of 10 to 20 ms, was used to treat 63 cases of choroidal and retinal diseases. These cases included diabetic background retinopathies, thrombosis of the central retinal vein or branch retinal vein, neovascular membranes under the pigment epithelium, and retinal breaks or degenerations of the peripheral retina. Because the number of diabetic retinopathies (24) and their average follow-up time (25.5 months) are insufficient for the evaluation of irradiation effects, no definite statement as to the merits of this energy modality in such cases can be made. The irradiation of infarcted retina was followed by extensive atrophy of the involved area. No secondary glaucoma was observed during a follow-up period of 16.4 months. The irradiation in four cases of neovascular subretinal membranes was followed by disappearance of the membranes. However, relapse later occurred in all four cases. The irradiation of eight retinal breaks resulted in solid scar tissue. Two choroidal melanomas were destroyed and did not recur during a follow-up period of 22 months.