KRYPTON LASER SUTURE LYSIS

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: traditionally, the argon laser has been use d with suture lysis. The authors evaluate the krypton laser and define the parameters for the successful use of the laser with this procedur e. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five consecutive patients undergoing combined cataract and trabeculectomy surgery who were considered candidates fo r this procedure underwent krypton laser suture lysis. Three laser sut ure lysis contact lenses were used during this procedure. None of the patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy in the form of ether 5-fluoro uracil or mitomycin-C. RESULTS: All five patients were successfully tr eated with the krypton laser. In all cases, the 10-0 nylon sutures wer e cut. No complications were observed in any patients. The only side e ffect observed was occasional mild pain noted by the first few patient s during the procedure. As the krypton laser settings were adjusted, t his problem was corrected. CONCLUSION: The krypton laser can be succes sfully used to cut 10-0 nylon sutures following trabeculectomy surgery .