Effects of the pulsed neodymium:YAG laser on the posterior segment.

The posterior segments of eight eyes of New Zealand white rabbits were treated with the pulsed Neodymium:YAG laser and studied ophthalmoscopically and histopathologically. Following treatment, funduscopy revealed intraretinal and preretinal bleeding, and histopathologic studies disclosed full thickness destruction of the retina and underlying choroid. At two months after the insult, yellow chorioretinal scars could be seen in the treated areas. Microscopic examination of these lesions demonstrated the formation of a strong adhesion between the retina and choroid and replacement of most of these layers with fibroglial scar tissue.