Changes in eye tension after panretinal xenon arc and argon laser photocoagulation in normotensive diabetic eyes

In 30 diabetic patients with normal intraocular pressures a comparison of a long term (6 months) effect on eye tension of panretinal monocular xenon arc and argon laser photocoagulation was made. The applanating suction cup method was used for the simultaneous, bilateral IOP recordings. Photocoagulation with the xenon are produced significant declines in IOP of 3.1 mmHg after one month and of 2.2 mmHg after 6 months. A significantly smaller decline in IOP (0.9 mmHg) was found after one month if the argon laser with retrobulbar anesthesia was used for the treatments. Photocoagulation performed with the argon laser without retrobulbar anesthesia produced no significant changes in IOP. There was no changes in outflow facility of aqueous humor.