[Indications for photocoagulation in idiopathic retinal periphlebitis].

Fourteen patients (23 eyes) with idiopathic retinal periphlebitis were followed during a mean time of six years. Argon laser photocoagulation was performed in 18 eyes: in 11 eyes for large retinal ischemic areas, and in 7 eyes for disc or peripheral neovascularization. Beneficial results were obtained in 72.5% of the treated patients. Laser photocoagulation seems to be useful to prevent or reduce ocular neovascularization associated with idiopathic retinal periphlebitis, and to prevent vitreous hemorrhage. Photocoagulation did not increase ocular inflammation and should be limited to ischemic areas.