CONTACT VERSUS NONCONTACT DIODE-LASER TRANSSCLERAL CYCLOPHOTOCOAGULATION IN CADAVER EYES

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The optimal placement and laser energy level s of a new contact probe with a variable focus used for transscleral d iode cyclophotocoagulation were compared with the diode laser nonconta ct technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fresh cadaver eyes were evaluated by a modified posterior Miyake view using videotape, light microscopy , and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The noncontact diode tech nique at maximum energy (1.2 J) and contact diode applications at simi lar energy levels failed to produce obvious gross tissue ciliary body change and mild alterations by histology Consistent gross, histologic, and scanning electron microscopic damage was noted at 3.0 J or more w ith the contact probe placed at the surgical limbus and defocused 0.5 to 1.5 mm posteriorly. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the Mult ilase contact diode laser causes transscleral ciliary body destruction in a cadaver eye model and may have potential clinical usefulness.