Comparative Efficacy of the SLT versus LASAG Nd: YAG Delivery Systems in Rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
The efficacy of two types of contact transscleral Nd:YAG laser delivery systems, a synthetic sapphire-tipped laser probe connected to a Surgical Laser Technologies (SLT) laser and a quartz fiberoptic tip connected to a LASAG Microrupter III, was compared.


METHODS
A total of nine pigmented rabbits underwent transscleral LASAG cycloablation in one eye (3.2 W, 0.5 s); an additional eight rabbits underwent Surgical Laser Technologies cycloablation (3.0 W, 0.5 s).


RESULTS
The maximum difference in intraocular pressure between the experimental versus fellow eyes was - 15.09 mm Hg (+/-0.25) with the LASAG and -13.16 mm Hg (+/-3.12) with the SLT laser; in both delivery systems, this difference was achieved 4 days postoperatively. The differences between the two groups in duration of pressure reduction was not statistically significant (p = 0.83).


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that these delivery systems are equally effective in lowering intraocular pressure in rabbits. Histological changes of the ciliary processes and adjacent ocular tissue are presented.
Guo
K L
KL
University of Michigan, WK Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan. *Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, daggerDepartment of Ophthalmology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, and double dagger;Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.
Karp
C L
CL
Higginbotham
E J
EJ
Griffin
E O
EO
Kincaid
M C
MC