Treatment of lipid keratopathy with the argon laser

Abstract

Twenty-two patients with lipid keratopathy were treated with argon laser photocoagulation to the feeder vessels. Two were grafted just over a week after treatment and the corneal discs examined histologically. The remainder of the patients were followed up for at least a year. In 6 cases the visual acuity improved, in 3 deteriorated, and in 10 did not change. The density and extent of the lipid deposition were diminished in 50% of cases. The commonest complications were bleeding into the lipid keratopathy and iris damage. The only serious problem was a disciform type of lipid keratopathy that flared up after treatment. Suggestions are made on improvements in the technique of laser application.