Contact transscleral cyclophotocoagulation with Nd:YAG laser in uncontrolled glaucoma.
To evaluate the effectiveness of contact delivery systems, we treated 23 eyes with uncontrolled intraocular pressure using a continuous wave Nd:YAG laser delivered by a fiber optic. With the fiber's tip perpendicular to the surface of the conjunctiva, 1.5 mm from the corneal limbus, we applied 16 laser spots of 2 J/second energy. Patients were followed for at least 6 months (mean, 8.6 +/- 2.4 months). The mean pressure decreased from a pretreatment value of 43.7 mm Hg to a posttreatment value of 24.7 mm Hg (P = 0.000). A total of 66.6% of the treated eyes achieved a pressure on last follow-up visit of 25 mm Hg or less. Pain decreased in all the patients treated (P less than .005). Complications were minimal.
Department of Ophthalmology, Scientific Institute, University of Milano, Italy.
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Brancato
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Giovanni
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Trabucchi
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Pietroni
D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D015355:Glaucoma, Neovascular / Q000601:surgery; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055100:Optical Fibers