Clinicopathologic correlation of diode laser burns in monkeys
I. H. Wallow, W. E. Sponsel and T. S. Stevens
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53792.
One hundred twenty-five retinochoroidal photocoagulation burns, produced by
a transpupillary diode laser (810 nm) in six eyes of three cynomolgus
monkeys, were evaluated by clinicopathologic correlation for up to 9 weeks
after laser treatment. Diode burns of clinical grade 2 strength were
comparable to those described for argon laser. However, diode burns of
clinical grade 3 strength produced choroidal changes more intense than
those described for argon laser. Where present underneath photocoagulation
sites, ciliary nerves in choroid or sclera consistently showed scarring.
Prospective randomized controlled clinical trials to document possible
clinical equivalence or superiority of diode treatment have not yet been
performed. Potential clinical advantages of the diode laser include its
weight, size, durability, price, absence of visible flash, and its ability
to produce burns that profoundly affect the choroid.
