Argon laser application to the angle structures in the glaucomas
U. Ticho and H. Zauberman
The argon laser beams' effect on angle structures was studied in 20
uncontrolled glaucomatous eyes. Nineteen eyes became hypotensive quickly,
but in 15, the elevated tension returned during the 20 to 40 day follow-up
period. Four eyes sustained low pressures throughout the ten-month
follow-up period. Two were of babies with congenital glaucoma, one had
simple glaucoma following an unsuccessful filtering operation, and one was
aphakic following congenital cataract extraction. Ten eyes were medically
controlled postoperatively, and six were failures that had to undergo
further surgery. Outflow facility measurements revealed an increase in C
values during the hypotensive period. The C values were reduced later, with
the decrease corresponding to the increase in intraocular pressures. The
hypotensive effect together with the increase in outflow facility was
probably related to laser-induced openings in the angle structures. The
varying results at the later stages depended on whether or not these
openings remained opened, or became partially or completely closed during
healing.
