Transscleral application of a semiconductor diode laser

Abstract

We used a diode laser with an output power of 1 W through a fiberoptic light pipe (200 μm diameter) to deliver laser energy through the sclera of pigmented rabbits. Ciliary body destruction occurred with energy levels of 300–400 mW and exposure time of 0.5 sec. Retinal photocoagulation was achieved with energy levels of 200–500 mW in 0.5 sec. Histologic examination of acute lesions demonstrated thermal destruction of ciliary body processes and retina. Chorioretinal scar formation was observed clinically and histologically within 2–3 weeks. Our data indicate that the transscleral diode laser may be used for destruction of the ciliary body processes or peripheral retinal coagulation in pigmented eyes.