Fractional Erbium YAG laser versus pulsed dye laser in the treatment of Xanthelasma palpebrarum: Randomized comparative intrapatient study

Abstract

BackgroundXanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is a disfiguring benign disorder. Both fractional Er:YAG laser and pulsed dye laser (PDL) have been used successfully in the treatment of XP. ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of ablative fractional Er:YAG laser and nonablative PDL in the treatment of XP by using the Optical coherence tomography (OCT). Patient and methodsTwenty-eight Patients with bilateral XP lesions were included in this randomized comparative study. The eyelids were randomly assigned to treatment by either fractional Er:YAG laser (2940 nm) or PDL (585 nm) at 2 weeks interval for a maximum of 6 sessions. Patients were evaluated objectively by the optical coherence tomography. ResultsXP lesions on both sides showed a significant improvement in area, color, and thickness. However, The PDL treated lesions showed better improvement and higher patient satisfaction. There were no complications with both modalities and no recurrence within 3 months. ConclusionBoth laser modalities are effective and safe therapeutic options for XP however in small lesions PDL is more effective. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used as an objective noninvasive method for evaluation.