Transscleral ruby laser cyclocoagulation.

During a ten-year period, we treated 241 eyes by transscleral ruby laser cyclocoagulation. Each eye had a minimum follow-up of six months. The average was 24 months and the range was six to 92 months. Using a criterion for success of intraocular pressure between 5 and 22 mm Hg, we achieved an overall success rate of 62% (150 of 241 eyes). This success rate varied from 86% for aphakic open-angle glaucoma (32 of 37 eyes) to 53% for neovascular glaucoma (72 of 135 eyes). Most eyes with useful vision preoperatively maintained these levels. Chronic hypotony (41 eyes) and phthisis (17 eyes) were the most frequent complications, although phthisis was common only in the neovascular glaucoma group (13 eyes). The visual results are more favorable and the need for retreatment and postoperative medications is less than with cyclocryotherapy, and postoperative discomfort is considerably reduced.