[Ultrasound treatment of glaucoma].

A total of 553 patients (726 treatments) with advanced glaucoma in whom traditional laser and surgical techniques had failed were treated with therapeutic ultrasound of relatively high average spatial intensities (20 kW/cm2) in 17 clinical centers in the United States. A persistent reduction of the intraocular pressure from a mean pretreatment value of 38.3 mmHg to less than 25 mmHg was achieved in about 70% of all cases and to less than 22 mmHg in 60% of all cases. The success of the treatment was independent of the type and the etiology of glaucoma. Few complications occurred. A temporary pressure rise of about 25% was seen in 45% of all cases during the first few hours after treatment.