Indentation laser photocoagulation of peripheral retinal neovascularization

J. Sigelman and G. Eisner

The treatment of peripheral retinal neovascularization by laser photocoagulation is an accepted technique. One of its limitations is the difficulty in photocoagulating retinal neovascularization that has become even slightly elevated from the underlying pigment epithelium. The failure to close the neovascular frond and the production of a vitreous hemorrhage are the complications from the direct photocoagulation of elevated neovascularization. The currently accepted method of treating the feeding retinal arteriole and venule, although successful, requires multiple treatment sessions. The use of a scleral indentation funnel at the time of laser photocoagulation permits the direct photocoagulation of elevated neovascularization in some cases. This technique increases the number of neovascular fronds that are amenable to direct laser photocoagulation, improves the rate of success of closure of the neovascularization by photocoagulation, decreases the necessary number of treatment sessions, and decreases the risks from treatment.