[Combined thermal-photodisruptive iridotomy using the argon and neodymium:YAG laser]

With the combined thermal-photodisruptive laser technique a large iridotomy of controllable size can be performed without any major complications. Using the Wise 103 diopter contact lens, primary coagulation is performed with short-duration argon laser burns. Subsequently, multiple low-energy single pulses are applied with the Nd:YAG. The iris can thus be perforated step by step. Compared with the pure Nd:YAG laser technique, this procedure reduces the risk of bleeding. Compared with the pure argon laser technique, each iris can be perforated easily, regardless of its color and thickness. The present paper reports on experience gathered in a first group of 50 eyes.