[Reparative processes of the iris after irradiation with the argon-ion laser (author's transl)].

The reparative processes of the pigmented iris of the rabbit were analysed with ultrastructural methods. 1. Clearing of the damaged area by macrophages is the first step in the reparative processes. Clump cells are macrophages which are observed from the first day of the injury until the ninth week. 2. Repair of the anterior surface of the iris is largely finished after 32 days. 3. The repair of collagenous fibres reaches its maximum activity 32 days after irradiation. 4. The pigment epithelium has only an insignificant regeneration potential. 5. Irradiation of the iris by the argon-ion laser results in an atrophic, hyperpigmented scar. The rapid regeneration of a lesion induced by the argon-ion laser in the rabbit iris casts doubt as to whether this method could be applied to the human eye with equal success.