Laser Coagulation of Ocular Tissues

Abstract

Photocoagulation as introduced by Meyer-Schwickerath¹ in 1954 was a revolutionary advance of unquestioned value to ophthalmology but one with definite limitations to its usefulness. The investion of the laser gave us a new source and kind of light.² This kind of light applied to photocoagulation promises to extend its usefulness. Laser coagulation is not the same thing as ordinary photocoagulation arranged in a more convenient package. It has its own characteristic properties, some of which are advantageous, and some of which are not. In addition, a number of question marks exist concerning laser coagulation which only time, trial, and experimentation will answer. In the short period since 1960 when the first laser was fired, a number of workers^3-5 have used lasers to produce retinal coagulation, the first being Zaret et al. In conjunction with N. Kapany, N. Silbertrust, and N. Peppers of Optics Technology, Inc., we have