[Trans-scleral ciliary body coagulation with the neodymium:YAG-cw-laser in secondary glaucoma]

Transscleral coagulation of the ciliary body was performed by means of the continuous wave Neodymium: YAG laser in 39 eyes with various types of secondary glaucoma that was not controlled by medical therapy. Three days later, the mean intraocular pressure measured 54% of the pre-laser pressure; 3 months later it was 52%, 6 months later 47%, and 12 months later 58%. In 11 of 14 eyes (78.6%) treated in an attempt to preserve the remaining visual function, the pressure proved to be under control (less than or equal to 20 mmHg) 6 months after treatment. Major complications, such as hyphema or bleeding into the vitreous, were rare (7/39) and occurred only in the eyes with neovascular glaucoma.