title: Transscleral neodymium: YAG laser cyclocoagulation for uncontrolled glaucoma.
abstract: To determine the efficacy and safety of the procedure, we reviewed the records of 25 eyes of 25 patients who had received noncontact transscleral Nd:YAG laser cyclocoagulation for a variety of uncontrolled glaucomas. Thirteen to 35 pulses (mean, 22.7 pulses) had been placed 1 mm to 2 mm behind the limbus with an energy per pulse of 3.4 J to 8.2 J (mean 4.5 J). Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 23 months, with the exception of one eye, which had to be enucleated. Nine of the 25 eyes (36%) required one or two repeat treatments. Twelve (48%) had intraocular pressures at last follow-up of less than 21 mm Hg but greater than 4 mm Hg. Ten eyes (40%) developed moderate to severe pain transiently, and 10 (40%) developed substantial, but transient, inflammation. Transscleral Nd:YAG laser cyclocoagulation appears to be relatively effective and well tolerated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Kalenak
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Parkinson
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Kass
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Kolker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008028:Light Coagulation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011379:Prognosis; D014792:Visual Acuity