Histopathologic studies on transscleral argon-krypton photocoagulation with an exolaser probe.

We performed argon and krypton laser photocoagulation of the retina and ciliary body on rabbit and monkey eyes using an exolaser probe. Clinically, transscleral retinal lesions produced a white circumscribed reaction. Histologically, we observed necrosis of the retina and choroid. Chronic lesions showed disorganization of the retina and formation of chorioretinal scars. Transciliary body laser coagulation damaged the ciliary body and its processes. The intraocular pressure was reduced in rabbits for one week and in monkeys for two weeks after 360 degrees transciliary laser coagulation. Scleral involvement was a common finding in transscleral laser coagulation.