Intraocular carbon dioxide laser photocautery. I. Animal experimentation.

Intraocular carbon dioxide laser photocautery is used to produce localized closure of vascular channels and chorioretinal adhesion in the albino rabbit. The retinal lesion is sharply demarcated because of the high tissue absorption of CO2 laser radiation. Varying degrees of chorioretinal adhesion can be achieved. The CO2 laser photocautery technique may provide a suitable method of closing vessels and sealing retinal tears at the time of vitrectomy. Accurate placement of the cautery tip on the target area can be accomplished under stereoscopic magnified viewing with the operating microscope and contact lens. Electrical shock hazard is completely eliminated with the CO2 laser energy modality.