Transscleral and transconjunctival diathermy.

The authors developed a new diathermy electrode that can be used with simultaneous indirect ophthalmoscopic control. The electrode uses the same source and handle as the conventional diathermy but can be used transconjunctivally or transsclerally through full thickness sclera. Chorioretinal scars were successfully induced in 30 rabbit eyes (with or without retinal detachment). Long-term follow-up revealed normal maturation of the scars, with firm adhesion of the retina to the choroid but no gross or histopathologic evidence of permanent scleral damage.