[Pilot study of transscleral light coagulation of retinal breaks using diode laser].
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a pilot trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transscleral diode laser photocoagulation in the management of retinal breaks.


METHODS
Fourteen patients (14 eyes) were enrolled in the study. Twelve patients showed opaque media which prevented transpupillary argon laser photocoagulation (10 eyes) and/or a retinal detachment after previous failed surgery (3 eyes), and/or retinal tears with a curled and fixed posterior edge (6 eyes). Twenty five retinal breaks were treated in the 14 eyes (7 breaks in attached retina and 18 in detached retina).


RESULTS
A satisfactory retinochoroidal scar with permanent sealing of the retinal breaks was achieved in all eyes. The retina was attached in all eyes. The follow-up ranged from 2 to 12 months. Ten patients had a minimum 6 month-follow-up. Overtreatment attributed to technical mistake occurred in two eyes. It has no adverse effect on the final result.


CONCLUSIONS
Transscleral diode laser photocoagulation of retinal breaks is efficacious and safe. It is a valuable alternative to cryo treatment in eyes at high risk of postoperative PVR and/or when argon laser photocoagulation cannot be used, and/or in retinal detachments after previous failed surgery.
Bonnet
M
M
Clinique Ophtalmologique Universitaire B, UFR Lyon-Nord, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse.
Mouries
O
O
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000601:surgery; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000601:surgery*
Etude pilote de la photocoagulation trans-sclérale des déchirures rétiniennes avec le laser à diode.