[Regression of corneal neovascularization by laser treatment? (author's transl)].

The corneal neovascularization produced by NaOH burns was examined in two groups of pigmented rabbits following laser treatment. The treatment was carried out with energy level 500 mW, spot diameter 200 micron, and exposure time 1 s throughout. In the first group, a single newly formed vessel was coagulated in each case. Subsequent fluorescein angiography invariably showed an incomplete occlusion of the vessel. In the second group, we coagulated a section of the neovascularization network at its origin in the corneal limbus. After 48 h, fluorescein perfusion was once again observed, but the vessels were predominantly finer than before. Fluorescence microscopy revealed a rich neovascularization of the more superficial layers of the corneal stroma. To be successful, laser treatment must involve both supplying and draining vessels.