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Optic nerve damage following argon laser photocoagulation in a human eye
Annals of Ophthalmology
|August 1, 1976
Summary
Argon laser photocoagulation for diabetic neovascularization can damage optic nerve fibers. Histopathology confirmed nerve fiber necrosis and retinal damage after laser treatment targeting a retinal artery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Pathology
Background:
- Diabetic neovascularization poses a risk to optic nerve fibers during laser photocoagulation.
- Previous studies lack extensive pathologic data on laser-induced nerve fiber injury.
Observation:
- Laser photocoagulation was applied to a superior temporal artery on the optic disc in an eye with nasal malignant melanoma.
- Repeated laser applications induced spasm at two sites in the targeted artery.
Findings:
- Histopathologic examination revealed endothelial cell loss and nuclear absence in the treated artery's media.
- Coagulative necrosis of adjacent nerve fibers and significant damage to peripapillary outer segments and retinal pigment epithelium were observed.
Implications:
- Argon laser treatment for diabetic neovascularization may cause severe optic nerve and retinal damage.
- Pathologic findings underscore the risks associated with laser photocoagulation near the optic disc.