title: Experimental use of semiconductor diode laser in contact transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in rabbits.
abstract: Acute and long-term effects of contact transscleral semiconductor diode laser cyclophotocoagulation were studied in rabbits. Immediately following cyclophotocoagulation, light microscopy revealed coagulation necrosis of the ciliary pigmented and nonpigmented epithelia and stroma; destruction increased in relation to power. There was architectural disruption with higher energy levels. The findings with diode and continuous-wave contact neodymium-YAG lasers were similar. In rabbits treated and followed up for 6 weeks there was a decrease in intraocular pressure during the observation period (P less than .05, paired Student's t test). The gross and light microscopic examination revealed focal atrophy and fibrosis of the ciliary processes, with pigment-laden macrophages on the ciliary processes and in the outflow pathways. Higher energy levels caused lens capsule damage and vitritis. The diode laser produced ciliary destruction similar to the continuous-wave contact neodymium-YAG laser in rabbits, with significant intraocular pressure lowering during the 6-week follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Howe Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston 02114.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Schuman
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Jacobson
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Puliafito
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Noecker
authors.forename: W T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Reidy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001284:Atrophy; D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008028:Light Coagulation; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011817:Rabbits; D012590:Sclera / Q000601:surgery; D012666:Semiconductors; D013997:Time Factors