The clinical and histological effect of ruby laser and xenon photocoagulation on macula, papillomacular bundle, and peripapillary area in the human is presented. Only isolated scotomata were produced, and there was no clinical evidence of nerve fiber damage in lesions of moderate intensity. Serial sections taken through the lesions demonstrated damage limited to the choroid and outer retina. The results of this study indicate that lesions in the macula and papillomacular bundle can be treated with ruby laser or xenon photocoagulation of moderate intensity without clinical nerve fiber damage. It is evident that great care must be taken in limiting the intensity of the burn to avoid clinical nerve fiber damage. The fovea must be carefully avoided or an isolated central scotoma with diminished visual acuity will result.