A CLINICAL COMPARISON OF TRANSSCLERAL CYCLOPHOTOCOAGULATION WITH NEODYMIUM-YAG AND SEMICONDUCTOR DIODE-LASERS

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation using a neodymium: YAG (Nd:YAG) or semiconductor diode laser in contr olling intraocular pressure in patients with refractory glaucoma. METH ODS: In a prospective study, 95 eyes of 91 patients with refractory gl aucoma randomly received Nd:YAG or diode cyclophotocoagulation. Patien ts were followed for a mean of 10.4 months (10.42 +/- 3.16, mean +/- S D). We compared available data preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively, Data analyzed were corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and the type of glaucoma. RESULTS : There was a statistically significant decrease in intraocular pressu re after both Nd: YAG and diode cyclophotocoagulation at each time per iod. However, there were no significant differences in postoperative i ntraocular pressure or visual acuity change between Nd:YAG and diode p rocedures. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the Nd:YAG laser for transsclera l cyclophotocoagulation, the diode laser has technological advantages including portability, durability, and smaller size, while providing e quivalent postoperative intraocular pressure and visual acuity change. (Am J Ophthalmol 1998;126:640-647. (C) 1998 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.).