Experimental use of semiconductor diode laser in contact transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in rabbits

Acute and long-term effects of contact transscleral semiconductor diode laser cyclophotocoagulation were studied in rabbits. Immediately following cyclophotocoagulation, light microscopy revealed coagulation necrosis of the ciliary pigmented and nonpigmented epithelia and stroma; destruction increased in relation to power. There was architectural disruption with higher energy levels. The findings with diode and continuous-wave contact neodymium-YAG lasers were similar. In rabbits treated and followed up for 6 weeks there was a decrease in intraocular pressure during the observation period (P less than .05, paired Student's t test). The gross and light microscopic examination revealed focal atrophy and fibrosis of the ciliary processes, with pigment-laden macrophages on the ciliary processes and in the outflow pathways. Higher energy levels caused lens capsule damage and vitritis. The diode laser produced ciliary destruction similar to the continuous-wave contact neodymium-YAG laser in rabbits, with significant intraocular pressure lowering during the 6-week follow-up.