Neodymium:YAG laser iridotomy.
During the past several years the Neodymium:YAG laser has become increasingly popular for performing peripheral iridotomy. Using energy levels of 2-8 millijoules per shot and 1-3 shots per treatment, most irides can be penetrated in one sitting. Nd:YAG laser iridotomies show very little tendency to close, except in patients with active intraocular inflammation. A small amount of hemorrhage is common following YAG laser iridotomy, but clinically significant hyphema is rare. Significant lenticular or corneal damage is extremely rare. Although longterm follow-up of large numbers of patients is lacking, Nd:YAG laser iridotomy appears to be a safe and effective alternative to Argon laser iridotomy in selected patients.
Drake
M V
MV
Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco.
D006801:Humans; D007498:Iris / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008722:Methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications