Lens clarity after argon and neodymium-YAG laser iridotomy in the rabbit.

Focal lenticular damage has occurred after argon and neodymium (Nd)-YAG laser iridotomies. Since the latter disrupts nonpigmented membranes, it is of particular concern. To determine the effects of argon and Nd-YAG laser iridotomies on the lens, we treated adult pigmented rabbits and quantitatively evaluated their lenses. The right eyes of ten adult pigmented rabbits underwent argon laser (five eyes) or Nd-YAG laser (five eyes) iridotomies. The left eyes served as controls and were not treated. The Scheimpflug camera (Zeiss) and fluorophotometry were used to quantitate lens clarity six weeks postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference in lens clarity between treatment groups when the experimental and control eyes were compared after six weeks. Thus, no diffuse lens opacification appeared evident after argon laser or Nd-YAG laser iridotomy.