Electrocoagulation is widely used in glaucoma operations, such as cyclodiathermy, and in the surgical treatment of retinal degeneration, cysts, tears, and detachment. The success of these surgical procedures is dependent upon electrocoagulation for the production of a controlled tissue insult which serves as the stimulus for a restricted inflammatory response.
Retinal disease is treated by formation of an inflammatory adhesion between the sensory retina and the external tissues of the eye. This adhesion must be firm enough to resist vitreous traction and uniform enough to produce a water-tight seal. Deficient electrocoagulation yields an inadequate adhesion and excessive cautery can produce widespread scleral, choroidal, and retinal necrosis, cause an extensive choroidal exudation, or result in vitreous shrinkage.1 Despite the importance of precise, quantitative control of electrocautery, its use is regulated by the gross appearance of the treated surface and the general features of clinical experience.
Studies of basic aspects of
RATZLAFF KO, STRAATSMA BR. A Liquid Electrode for Electrocoagulation. Arch Ophthalmol. 1961;66(4):483–486. doi:10.1001/archopht.1961.00960010485008
Ophthalmology in JAMA: Read the Latest
Customize your JAMA Network experience by selecting one or more topics from the list below.