[Retinal detachments treated by argon laser photocoagulation]

Twenty-nine rhegmatogenous retinal detachments were treated in 29 patients by argon laser photocoagulation ("damming" technique) between 10-1-77 and 06-30-81. Mean follow up time has been 19.1 months, and retinal detachments have remained perfectly contained in 28 patients without any subsequent macular problem. Eleven cases were asymptomatic retinal detachments, 4 of these occurring after previous argon laser prophylaxis, 16 cases being localized postoperative recurrences or failures after single or repeated surgery. These argon laser "dams" must only be conducted in the absence of major vitreous traction and with strict post-laser control; their indications are therefore limited but they can be useful procedures.