[Microcoagulation of the fundus. Experimental results of repeated laser pulse exposure]

Angiographically visible lesions were produced in the fundus of rabbit eyes with repetitive 5 microseconds pulses and continuous wave exposures with 50-ms to 1-s pulse duration from an modified argon laser (514 nm). The ophthalmoscopic and the fluorescein angiographic findings showed less damage in the neural retina and the choroid after repetitively pulsed irradiation. Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the neural retina and the choroid can mostly be spared by using repetitive 5 microseconds pulses, even though the damage to the retinal pigment epithelium is similar to the damage caused by continuous wave irradiation. Possible clinical applications, e.g. for macular edema and central serous retinopathy, are discussed.