Argon laser treatment of lipid keratopathy

Sixty-three cases of vascularised lipid keratopathy were treated with the argon laser to occlude feeder vessels which had been identified by fluorescein angiography. There was a reduction in extent in 62% and density in 49%. Visual acuity was improved in 48%. Six patients had keratoplasties shortly after treatment, none of which showed graft rejection. Minor complications included temporary haemorrhage into the cornea and iris atrophy. A more serious problem was severe corneal thinning after resorption of lipid. The patients had to be carefully followed up and maintained on a low dose of topical steroid.