title: Nd: Yag laser iridotomy in Shaffer-Etienne grade 1 and 2: angle widening in our case studies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To obtain widening of a potentially occludable angle, in according to Kanski's indications, through preventive Nd:Yag laser iridotomy. The observational study was performed by using gonioscopy for the selection and follow-up of 1165 treated eyes and exploiting Shaffer-Etienne gonioscopic classification as a quality/quantity test of the angle recession.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between September 2000 and July 2012, 586 patients were selected at the Outpatients' Ophthalmological Clinic of the Policlinico Umberto I of Rome in order to undergo Nd: Yag laser iridotomy. A Goldmann type contact lens, Q-switched mode, 2-3 defocus, and 7-9 mJ intensity with 2-3 impulse discharges were used for surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From as early as the first week, a whole 360° angle widening were evident in the patients, thus showing the success of Nd:Yag laser iridotomy in solving relative pupil block. The angle remained narrow by 270° in 14 eyes only, despite repetitions of further treatment with laser iridotomy in a different part of the iris, twice in 10 eyes and three times in 4 eyes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nd:Yag laser iridotomy revealed itself as being a safe and effective treatment in widening those critical Shaffer-Etienne grade 1 and 2 potentially occludable angles.
authors: Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy.
authors: Sandra Cinzia
authors: SC
authors: Carlesimo
authors: Freelance Scientific Designer, Via N. Stame 127, Rome 00128, Italy.
authors: Luigi
authors: L
authors: Di Santo
authors: Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy.
authors: Pietro
authors: P
authors: Bruni
authors: Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy.
authors: Aloisa
authors: A
authors: Librando
authors: Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy.
authors: Antonietta Pompea
authors: AP
authors: Falace
authors: Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy.
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Barbato
keywords: Nd:Yag laser; glaucoma; gonioscopy; intraocular pressure; iridotomy; narrow angle