Techniques of argon laser photocoagulation of diabetic disk new vessels.

Four argon laser techniques have been evaluated in the eradication of diabetic disk neovascularization: focal (nonfeeder) photocoagulation, feeder-frond photocoagulation alone, panretinal photocoagulation alone, and feeder-frond treatment combined with panretinal photocoagulation. Focal photocoagulation was dangerous and the least effective technique in preventing recurrence of neovascularization. Feeder-frond photocoagulation was effective initially, but was associated with a high incidence of recurrent neovascularization. Panretinal photocoagulation and panretinal photocoagulation combined with feeder-frond treatment produced results superior to those obtained with the two earlier techniques. The best results were obtained with combined feeder-frond and panretinal photocoagulation done concurrently. Early diagnosis, aggressive photocoagulation therapy, and close follow-up were essential in order to obtain good results.