Ab interno sclerostomy with a high-powered argon endolaser. Clinicopathologic correlation.
A high-powered argon blue-green laser coupled to a 300-microns quartz fiberoptic probe was used to create an ab interno sclerostomy in a patient undergoing enucleation for a blind painful eye. Despite the presence of diffuse rubeosis, 360 degrees peripheral anterior synechiae, and superior conjunctival scarring, it was possible to create a full-thickness defect from the anterior chamber angle to the subconjunctival space without operative complications. Six laser applications were required using 8 W of power per pulse and 0.1-second pulse duration. The eye was enucleated immediately after the laser procedure, prepared for light microscopy, and sectioned serially. Histologic analysis demonstrated a patent fistula approximately 300 microns in diameter with sharp wound margins. Tissue damage was localized to within 150 microns of the sclerostomy. The overlying conjunctiva was intact.
Jaffe
G J
GJ
Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Mieler
W F
WF
Radius
R L
RL
Kincaid
M C
MC
Massaro
B M
BM
Abrams
G W
GW
D000328:Adult; D000867:Anterior Chamber / Q000473:pathology*; D001128:Argon; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000473:pathology; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012590:Sclera / Q000473:pathology; D012599:Sclerostomy / Q000379:methods*
D001128:Argon