Laser Deep Sclerectomy
for glaucoma treatment
Kozobolis V. and Pallikaris I.
Purpose: The formation of a filtrative area, using
the Erbium Yag Laser, over the trabeculum, the Schlemm's canal and the
Descemet's membrane, in order to permit the percolation of acqueous humor from
the anterior chamber to the subconjunctival space.
Setting: We use the CentauriTM Erbium Yag-laser (Premiere), solid state
- 2940 nm Pulse Rate: 10 - 30 Hz, Output Energy: -250 mJ at 10 Hz, Pulse Width:
300 мsec, Aiming Beam: Green Helium Neon Laser.
Methods: Forty-five eyes of 45 patients (26 males and 19 females)
suffered from POAG and PEXG underwent the LDS. (Thickness of superficial
scleral flap: 200м, Size of sup. scleral flap: 5mm X 5mm, Size of photoablated
area: 3mm X 4mm, Repetition rate: 10 Hz & Energy: 10mJ).
Results: The IOP was decreased from 26.37 ± 3.41 to 16.54 ± 3.55 mmHg in
a follow - up period of 13.34 ± 5.70 months (3 - 18months). The mean number of
medication was also decreased from 2.88 ± 0.71 drugs to 1.18 ± 0.80. Concerning
the complications, choroidal detachment was found in 14.28%, hypheama in
11.42%, leakage in 1 eye, cystic bleb or bleb fibrosis in 17.14%.
Conclusions: LDS is a new and safe surgical procedure for Glaucoma
treatment. The scleral and the corneal ablation are performed in a step-by-step
fashion. The healing process could be influenced by the application of Erbium
Yag laser.