Laser treatment of juvenile hemangioma

Capillary hemangioma in the infant may result in amblyopia, refractive error, or strabismus, and is often disfiguring. Treatment is challenging with respect to maintaining vision, as well as preserving function of the eyelids and ocular adnexa and obtaining the best possible cosmetic outcome. Neodymium-YAG laser photocoagulation may be a useful modality for the treatment of these lesions. We review the characteristics of the three types of lasers currently in wide use in skin surgery, with particular emphasis on their applicability for treatment of juvenile hemangioma. A possible role for the Nd-YAG laser in the management of these tumors is suggested.