The Effects of Red Krypton and Green Argon Laser on the Foveal Region: A Clinical and Experimental Study

Abstract

The destruction of senile neovascular membranes in the central avascular region of the macula by argon laser is difficult and associated with complications. Yellow pigment in this region absorbs the blue component of the conventional argon laser radiation. In this study, the authors used lasers of different wavelengths: red krypton and green argon. Optical and electron microscopic studies on nonhuman primates were performed at 1 hour and 6 weeks. Maximum damage was seen at the level of the internal choroid with krypton laser and at the level of the pigment epithelium with green argon laser. A clinical and angiographic study showed that the destruction of the juxtafoveal neovascular membranes by both lasers was possible. Our clinical experience suggests that the red krypton laser offers a better alternative for treatment of neovascular membranes located near the foveola than the green argon laser.