Complications of krypton red laser photocoagulation to subretinal neovascular membranes

The use of krypton red laser photocoagulation (KRLPC) to treat subretinal neovascular membranes (SRNVM) is increasing. The complications of this treatment in a large series of patients have not been reported. Over a 15-month period, 195 patients had KRLPC to SRNVM of the following etiologies: senile macular degeneration (151), presumed ocular histoplasmosis (33), miscellaneous (11). Fourteen patients had the following complications attributable to KRLPC: choroidal hemorrhage (9), retinal pigment epithelial tears (3), choroidal ischemia (1) and choroidal folds (1). The visually significant complication rate was 3.6%. Proper patient selection and treatment technique may decrease the risk of complications.