OCULAR EFFECTS PRODUCED BY EXPERIMENTAL LASERS .4. ARGON LASER

Photocoagulation experiments have been carried out on chinchilla and albino rabbits with a continuous wave argon ion laser. The coagulations have been studied both clinically and histologically. The data indicate that, at relatively low power settings, the lesions are similar to those produced by the xenon-arc photocoagulator. At higher power settings, the lesions developed hemorrhagic characteristics resembling those produced by the ruby laser. The coagulations are small in size and appear to represent firm chorioretinal adhesions. The small size is advantageous in some clinical situations but the ruby laser seems to be equally adequate in these areas for the production of chorioretinal adhesions. However, the focal nature of the coagulations and the absence of profound and devastating ocular damage indicates that a properly controlled argon laser may be employed in photocoagulation with safety. There is sufficient theoretical basis for further exploration of the effects of this laser especially on the retinal vasculature. © 1969.