A clinical comparison of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation with neodymium: YAG and semiconductor diode lasers.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation using a neodymium: YAG (Nd:YAG) or semiconductor diode laser in controlling intraocular pressure in patients with refractory glaucoma.


METHODS
In a prospective study, 95 eyes of 91 patients with refractory glaucoma randomly received Nd:YAG or diode cyclophotocoagulation. Patients were followed for a mean of 10.4 months (10.42 +/- 3.16, mean +/- SD). We compared available data preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Data analyzed were corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and the type of glaucoma.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant decrease in intraocular pressure after both Nd:YAG and diode cyclophotocoagulation at each time period. However, there were no significant differences in postoperative intraocular pressure or visual acuity change between Nd:YAG and diode procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared with the Nd:YAG laser for transscleral cyclophotocoagulation, the diode laser has technological advantages including portability, durability, and smaller size, while providing equivalent postoperative intraocular pressure and visual acuity change.
Youn
J
J
Joseph M. Bryan Glaucoma Clinic, Duke University Eye Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
Cox
T A
TA
Herndon
L W
LW
Allingham
R R
RR
Shields
M B
MB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012590:Sclera; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity