A comparison of the laser flare cell meter and fluorophotometry in assessment of the blood-aqueous barrier in eyes with choroidal malignant melanoma

Purpose. To evaluate and compare the use of the Laser flare cell meter and intra veinous vitreous fluorophotometry in assessment of the blood-aqueous barrier in eyes with uveal melanoma. Method. Laser flare measurements and fluorophotometry were performed before treatment in ten patients with uveal melanoma Both eyes of patients were examined, and fifteen control healthy patients were examined by the two methods. Results. The two technics measure different parameters, but both methods are able to document the integrity or breakdown of the blood-ocular barriers. Tumors with height >6 mm and serous retinal detachments are accompanied by marked alterations of he blood-aqueous barrier. Conclusions. Both the laser flare cell meter and fluorophotometry provide a method for the assessment of the blood-aqueous ocular barrier in eyes with choroidal melanoma. However, the laser flare cell meter is rapid, noninvasive, and relatively easier to use.