Treatment of retinal breaks with large-spot diode laser photocoagulation

A new technique is described for treating peripheral retinal breaks using large-spot, diode laser retinopexy. A large-spot (1.2 to 3.0 mm) diode laser (810 nm) was used to treat patients with breaks in attached retina. Powers between 800 and 1,200 mW produced a uniform retinal photocoagulation beyond the break margins. Patients were observed monthly until an adequate chorioretinal scar had formed. Eleven eyes were treated using this technique. Satisfactory retinopexy was obtained in all cases. The efficiency of large-spot diode laser photocoagulation for retinal breaks and its advantages over conventional laser and cryopexy techniques justifies further studies into this technique.