The 30-degree curved endolaser probe.

Straight, 30-, and 45-degree endolaser probes were compared to determine the optimal curve for peripheral endolaser photocoagulation during pars plana vitrectomy. The 30-degree probes allowed panretinal laser coverage in phakic eyes, thereby negating the need for peripheral cryopexy which may cause increased inflammation and contribute to the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. The 30-degree probe was less likely to strike the lens inadvertently, produced a more consistent burn, was more versatile in posterior treatments, and had a longer fiberoptic core life than the 45-degree probe. It was impossible to treat the peripheral retina using the straight probe without hitting the lens during phakic pars plana vitrectomy.