Diode endolaser photocoagulation
W. E. Smiddy
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, FL.
Endolaser photocoagulation was applied using a diode laser in 25 patients.
Indications were for treatment of complications of proliferative diabetic
retinopathy (17 patients), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (four patients),
complex retinal detachments (three patients), and a retinal break (one
patient). Good retinal and retinal pigment epithelial laser uptake was
observed in all cases. The clinical appearance of the burn while it is
being made is similar to that with the argon laser, but it is subtly
lighter, especially in less-pigmented areas and eyes. Predictable clinical
results and no adverse effects have been observed. While the clinical
utility of the diode laser is analogous to that of standard argon endolaser
systems, numerous logistical advantages are offered by this system.
