Evaluation of phototoxic retinal damage after argon laser iridotomy.
We performed several visual function tests in 17 eyes (ten patients) before and after argon laser iridotomy in an effort to detect diffuse photochemical damage to photoreceptors caused by exposure to the intense, blue-green light that is transmitted into the posterior segment as the iridotomy is created and enlarged. No change was detected in static threshold sensitivity in the central 30 degrees of the field (Octopus perimeter), color sensitivity (Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test), or visual acuity. Contrast sensitivity showed a small increase at low spatial frequencies and a small decrease at high spatial frequencies. The latter change was small and not necessarily laser related, but precautions to limit laser exposure of the posterior pole are prudent.
Anderson
D R
DR
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida 33101.
Knighton
R W
RW
Feuer
W J
WJ
D001128:Argon; D003118:Color Perception / Q000528:radiation effects; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D007498:Iris / Q000601:surgery*; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D008028:Light Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D012160:Retina / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000528:radiation effects; D058609:Visual Field Tests; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000528:radiation effects
D001128:Argon