Argon laser intraocular photocoagulation.

Argon laser intraocular photocoagulation is now available during vitreous surgery, to treat retinal breaks and to give panretinal photocoagulation. Twenty patients, including phakic patients with gas-filled eyes, were treated using a new operative contact lens without complication. This intraoperative technique allows controlled rapid application of laser lesions at a safe distance from the retina, and eliminated the need for attempting treatment through the often hazy media of an irritated postoperative eye. A group of five rhesus monkeys were treated with various power settings to assess the histopathologic features of these laser lesions.