AIM:To analyze the effects of the argon laser photocoagulation in the treatment of retinal vein occlusion(RVO).METHODS:Fifty-seven cases who were diagnosed as RVO and treated by argon laser photocoagulation were followed up. Observed the patients'' visual acuity, fundus changes and complications, evaluated the clinical value of argon laser photocoagulation for RVO. Argon laser photocoagulation were divided into macularl attice photocoagulation, local retinal photocoagulation and panretinal photocoagulation.RESULTS:The 57 cases 3-6 months after argon laser photocoagulation were reexamined. The last visual acuity improved in 23 eyes, no change in 25 eyes, and decreased in 9 eyes. Fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA) was reexamined after laser photocoagulation(observing the area changes of retinal capillary non-perfusion area and the regression condition of new vessels), the outcome was effective in 54 eyes, developed to NVG in 3 eyes. However, laser photocoagulation had no significant effect on macular late complications. CONCLUSION:Laser photocoagulation treatment can improve central visual acuity, promote the absorption of retinal edema, hemorrhage and exudation, at the same time reduce the new vessels caused by NVG, also have remarkable effect in preventing or delaying the proliferative vitreoretinopathy and secondary neovascular glaucoma.