Peripheral photocoagulation in the treatment of disc neovascularization.

Forty-two eyes in 30 patients with disc neovascularization were treated by the method of extensive photocoagulation of the retinal periphery (ablation). Total obliteration of disc neovascularization was accomplished in 76% of eyes treated. Partial regression was noted in 21% of eyes treated. There were only 2 major complications--traction retinal detachment and one major hemorrhage--in this series. Feeder-frond treatment was necessary to obliterate recurrent disc neovascularization in 2 eyes. It is concluded that therapy is efficacious in the treatment of papillary neovascularization.