EFFECTS OF LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION ON CORNEAL NEOVASCULARIZATION IN RABBITS

Authors
Citation
Sc. Park et Jh. Kim, EFFECTS OF LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION ON CORNEAL NEOVASCULARIZATION IN RABBITS, Journal of refractive and corneal surgery, 10(6), 1994, pp. 631-639
Citations number
NO
Categorie Soggetti
Ophthalmology,Surgery
ISSN journal
10810803
Volume
10
Issue
6
Year of publication
1994
Pages
631 - 639
Database
ISI
SICI code
1081-0803(1994)10:6<631:EOLPOC>2.0.ZU;2-M
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Corneal neovascularization is a common clinical entity. Al though visual acuity is usually impaired and corneal function compromi sed, there has been only limited success in the clinical management of this condition. We evaluated the efficacy of laser photocoagulation o f neovascularization in the rabbit cornea. METHODS: New vessel formati on was provoked by the placement of sutures in the corneas. Rose benga l was injected intravenously and new vessels in the upper part of the corneas were treated with an argon laser. The lower halves were used a s controls. Eighteen rabbits were divided into 2 groups. In group A ne ovascularization was treated 28 days after suture removal, when cornea l inflammation had regressed. In group B treatment was performed 3 day s after suture removal, when the cornea still exhibited marked inflamm ation. Postoperatively, the corneas were studied by slitlamp microscop y, fluorescein angiography, and light, as well as electron microscopy. RESULTS: In group A, treatment led to the immediate occlusion of the vessels and to their gradual disappearance during the course of 3 mont hs. In group B, no occlusion was seen during the 3-month follow-up per iod. The main histologic findings in the occluded vessels were endothe lial cell disruption and degeneration, and the formation of clots. CON CLUSION: Our results suggest that argon laser photocoagulation using r ose bengal is an effective method of occluding corneal new vessels, pr oviding there is no corneal inflammation at the time of treatment.