Ocular Thermal Effects Produced by Photocoagulation

Abstract

<h3>I. Introduction</h3> In the past ten years photocoagulation has become an accepted clinical procedure. The research contributions of Guerry et al^1-3and the extremely versatile instrument developed by Meyer-Schwickerath⁴have played important roles in this development. More recently optical masers have proved to be of potential value in the field of photocoagulation. In the procedure of photocoagulation, radiant energy is introduced into the eye through the pupil and concentrated by the optical system of the eye at the plane of the retina. The therapeutic effects are produced by heat concentration which results in tissue coagulation. A complete understanding of this process can be achieved only after careful measurements of the temperature changes produced in the eye. The temperature at the site of coagulation in the retina must be determined together with temperature changes in various areas of the vitreous. Scattered heat effects in the plane of the retina