Retinal laser photocoagulation: Benefits and risks

Retinal photocoagulation has been used for approximately 20 yr to treat a number of diseases of the retina and choroid, primarily affecting the vascular systems of these tissues. Within the past 15 yr. lasers have become the preferred photocoagulation instruments. Large-scale controlled clinical trials have conclusively demonstrated their efficacy in the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The usefulness of laser treatment in other diseases is suspected, but the evidence is not yet conclusive, and several other large clinical trials are now either in progress or in the final planning stages. Complications of photocoagulation therapy are numerous but in general mild, and the most severe complications are observed only rarely.