Observations on the microvascular repair process after confluent argon laser photocoagulation

B. A. Stratas, J. D. Weipert, R. L. Reddick, D. D. Perry and J. M. Risco

We observed the repair process of the choriocapillaris after confluent argon laser retinal photocoagulation in the domestic cat with a plastic injection-corrosion technique coupled with scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Confluent photocoagulation was applied to the area of the retinal tapetum, creating two kinds of lesions: one consisted of five confluent burns and the other of 20 confluent burns. Specimens were prepared at 1, 30, and 60 days. Occlusion of the choriocapillaris was noted regardless of the length of time after photocoagulation. The only sign of repair was noted at 60 days when the choriocapillaris located at the edge of the lesion showed a uniform rearrangement. Transmission electron microscopy revealed severe damage to the endothelial cells, with lack of cell activation and permanent capillary closure in the vessels of the lesion proper.