Purpose: To study prospectively the success rate and complications of
deep sclerectomy with reticulated hyaluronic acid implant Skgel (DS+RHAI) with
an application of Erbium: YAG laser. Methods: 18 patients (18 eyes) with
medically uncontrolled POAG underwent DS+RHAI. In 10 patients the Schlemm's
canal was opened in the classic manner (group I), in 8 patients it was opened
using Erbium: YAG laser (group II). Visual acuity, IOP and slit lamp
examination were performed before
and after surgery at 1, 2, 7 days and 1, 3 and 6 months. Results: The mean
preoperative IOP was 25.8 mmHg. The mean postoperative IOP at day 1 was 6.2
mmHg for group I and 7.4 mmHg for group II, while at 6 months the mean IOP was
16.2 mmHg and 16.8 mmHg respectively. The succes rates, defined as IOP lower
than 21 mmHg without medications were 75 % and 78 % respectively. Perforation
of descemetic membrane occurred in two eyes from group I. Conclusions: Erbium:
YAG laser appears to be a useful tool for surgeons developing skills in
non-penetrating deep sclerectomy.