[Initial experiences in the treatment of changes in the anterior eye segment with the neodymium:YAG laser]

The present paper reports the first results with the Meditec OPL-3 neodymium:YAG laser (Rodenstock, Munich). The YAG laser is a pulsed laser, the biological effects of which are based on the formation of plasma at its focal point. Plasma formation induces a rapid explosion-like expansion of the tissue. This effect can be used to sever opaque structures of the refractive media of the eye, such as secondary cataracts, membranes or strands. The paper summarizes the results of the first 80 consecutive cases treated with the laser. The surgical procedure is described in detail. Visual acuity improved instantaneously in all cases in which no concomitant eye pathology (e.g., corneal or macular changes) existed. Complications consisted in the development of postoperative inflammatory reactions and increases in intraocular pressure, and responded well to corticosteroids and beta-blockers or Diamox. The development of the neodymium:YAG laser has considerably advanced our therapeutic possibilities.