[Use of diode laser in transcleral retinal photocoagulation]

Transscleral retinal photocoagulation using a diode laser emitting infrared radiation (810 nm) was performed on 8 rabbits. Examination was performed at 2 days, one month and three months after photocoagulation. The retinal burns were examined by light and electron microscopy and were found to be similar to those produced by argon and krypton photocoagulations. Histopathologic evaluation of the lesions demonstrated an intact sclera overlying the chorioretinal lesions. The results of the present experimental study support the hypothesis that transsccleral retinal photocoagulation using diode laser in selected indications may be a valuable alternative to cryotreatment and diathermy in the human eye. The absence of scleral damage and pigmented epithelium cell dispersion as well as the decreased break down of the blood ocular barrier after transscleral diode laser photocoagulation are the main advantages of the technique as compared to transscleral diathermy and cryotreatment.