Neodymium-YAG laser vitreolysis in sickle cell retinopathy

Journal Article · Sat Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1987 · Arch. Ophthalmol. (Chicago); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1001/archopht.1987.01060080089034· OSTI ID:6063894

Hrisomalos, N F; Jampol, L M; Moriarty, B J; Serjeant, G; Acheson, R; Goldberg, M F

Six patients with proliferative sickle cell retinopathy and vitreous bands were treated with the neodymium-YAG (Nd-YAG) laser to accomplish lysis of avascular traction bands or to clear the media in front of the macula. Transection of bands was possible in five of the six cases but in two of these the effect was only partial. Three cases were satisfactorily treated with the Nd-YAG laser application alone, two eventually required conventional vitreoretinal surgery, and one patient's condition stabilized despite failure of the treatment. Complications from the treatment occurred in three cases and included subretinal (choroidal) hemorrhage, preretinal hemorrhage, microperforation of a retinal vein, and focal areas of damage to the retinal pigment epithelium. Neodymium-YAG vitreolysis may be a useful modality in carefully selected patients with proliferative sickle cell retinopathy, but potentially sight-threatening complications may occur.

• Research Organization: Northwestern Univ., Chicago, IL
• OSTI ID: 6063894
• Journal Information: Arch. Ophthalmol. (Chicago); (United States), Vol. 105:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
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BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
SENSE ORGANS DISEASES
THERAPY
NEODYMIUM LASERS
OPHTHALMOLOGY
PATIENTS
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SENSE ORGANS
SOLID STATE LASERS
SYMPTOMS
560400* - Other Environmental Pollutant Effects
550600 - Medicine