Remodeling filtering blebs with the neodymium:YAG laser.

PURPOSE

To describe a new method of treating large, overfiltering, leaking blebs using a continuous-wave neodymium:YAG laser.

METHODS

Twenty-three eyes of 23 patients underwent YAG laser remodeling because of overfiltration and hypotony (group 1; n = 14); leaking bleb and hypotony (group 2; n = 5); and large, irritating bleb (group 3; n = 4). Using a neodymium:YAG laser in the continuous-wave multimode, a grid pattern of laser treatment was placed over the entire bleb using energy levels between 3.0 and 4.0 J and a laser offset between 0.9 and 1.2 mm. A torpedo patch then was placed directly over the bleb for 48 hours. Steroid therapy was avoided.

RESULTS

In group 1, 64% of eyes had an intraocular pressure increase of at least 3.0 mmHg. In group 2, 80% of bleb leaks were sealed. In group 3, 100% of patients had resolution of their discomfort. The elevation in intraocular pressure peaked at 1 to 3 months and diminished thereafter. There was improvement in vision of at least two Snellen acuity lines in 52% of eyes. Complications included the need for laser retreatment (7 eyes), creation of temporary bleb leak by the YAG laser (2 eyes), transient increase in intraocular pressure (2 eyes), and corneal edema (1 eye).

CONCLUSION

The continuous-wave neodymium:YAG laser can be used to effectively change the appearance and behavior of filtering blebs, although the duration of treatment effect is unknown.