Corneal laser photocoagulation for treatment of neovascularization. Efficacy of 577 nm yellow dye laser

Ophthalmology. 1992 Feb;99(2):173-9.

Abstract

The authors treated corneal neovascularization in 25 eyes of 23 patients with corneal laser photocoagulation using 577 nm yellow light. Four groups of patients were treated: patients with corneal neovascularization and active graft rejection (group 1); patients with neovascularization before penetrating keratoplasty (PK) (group 2); lipid keratopathy patients with opacification and/or focal edema threatening the visual axis (group 3); and patients with extensive corneal neovascularization, who were not candidates for PK (group 4). Area of neovascularization and clinical outcome were monitored. After corneal laser photocoagulation, there was a statistically significant reduction in the neovascularized area in group 1 from 32% of corneal area to 10%, and in group 3 from 46% to 27%. All five patients in group 1 had resolution of their graft rejection. In group 3, there was a reduction in the area of corneal opacification from 59% of corneal area to 52%. This difference was not statistically significant. Seven of nine patients in group 3 had stabilization or improvement in their vision over a mean of 9.3 months follow-up. There was no significant change in neovascularized area in groups 2 and 4. In group 2, no rejection reactions occurred over a mean of 5.6 months follow-up after PK. In group 4, corneal laser photocoagulation was disappointing.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Corneal Diseases / complications
  • Corneal Neovascularization / etiology
  • Corneal Neovascularization / surgery*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Graft Rejection
  • Humans
  • Keratoplasty, Penetrating
  • Laser Therapy*
  • Light Coagulation*
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Prospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Visual Acuity