Treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum with argon laser photocoagulation. Argon laser and xanthelasma palpebrarum.

PURPOSE: We report the results of argon laser coagulation of xanthelasma lesions.

METHODS: Forty eyelids of 24 patients with xanthelasma were treated in 1 to 4 sessions at 2-3 week intervals, using an argon green laser. The laser parameters were as follows: wavelength 514 nm; spot size 500 microns; energy 900 mW; the duration of the laser pulse 0.1-0.2 seconds. The procedure was done on outpatient basis. A gauze pad soaked in topical anaesthetic eye drops was applied to the surface of the lesion.

RESULTS: The therapy was well tolerated, and all lesions responded to the therapy. There were no complications and no functionally relevant scar developed. The cosmetic outcome was considered to be good in 85% of the cases.

CONCLUSION: Argon laser photocoagulation represents an alternative treatment in selected cases. It is easy to perform and well tolerated by the patients.