RETINAL-DETACHMENT AS A COMPLICATION OF NEODYMIUM - YTTRIUM-ALUMINUM-GARNET LASER CYCLOPHOTOCOAGULATION

We report a traction retinal detachment that developed within one mont h of transscleral neodymium: yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser cy clophotocoagulation, a previously unreported complication of the new c yclodestructive procedure. A 17-year-old boy was referred to our depar tment with uncontrolled aphakic glaucoma OD after having undergone cyc locryotherapy twice. Three treatments with transscleral Nd:YAG cycloph otocoagulation were done over nine months to lower his intraocular pre ssure. Hypotony and traction retinal detachment occurred after the thi rd laser treatment and was managed successfully by vitrectomy with a f luid-gas exchange. Thus, the possibility of this additional complicati on should be remembered when doing transscleral Nd:YAG cyclophotocoagu lation.