Contact transscleral cyclophotocoagulation with Nd:YAG laser in uncontrolled glaucoma

To evaluate the effectiveness of contact delivery systems, we treated 23 eyes with uncontrolled intraocular pressure using a continuous wave Nd:YAG laser delivered by a fiber optic. With the fiber's tip perpendicular to the surface of the conjunctiva, 1.5 mm from the corneal limbus, we applied 16 laser spots of 2 J/second energy. Patients were followed for at least 6 months (mean, 8.6 +/- 2.4 months). The mean pressure decreased from a pretreatment value of 43.7 mm Hg to a posttreatment value of 24.7 mm Hg (P = 0.000). A total of 66.6% of the treated eyes achieved a pressure on last follow-up visit of 25 mm Hg or less. Pain decreased in all the patients treated (P less than .005). Complications were minimal.