CHANGES IN EYE TENSION AFTER PANRETINAL XENON ARC AND ARGON LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION IN NORMOTENSIVE DIABETIC EYES

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Abstract
In 30 diabetic patients with normal intraocular pressures [IOP] a comparison of a long term (6 mo.) effect on eye tension of panretinal monocular Xe arc and Ar laser photocoagulation was made. The applanating suction cup method was used for the simultaneous, bilateral IOP recordings. Photocoagulation with the Xe arc produced significant declines in IOP of 3.1 mm Hg after 1 mo. and of 2.2 mm Hg after 6 mo. A significantly smaller decline in IOP (0.9 mm Hg) was found after 1 mo. if the Ar laser with retrobulbar anesthesia was used for the treatments. Photocoagulation performed with the Ar laser without retrobulbar anesthesia produced no significant changes in IOP. There were no changes in outflow facility of aqueous humor.