The Q-switched ruby laser in glaucoma.

A pilot study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of a Q-switched ruby laser in the treatment of both pupillary-block (10 eyes) and open-angle glaucoma (4 eyes). All patients had either poor visual acuity or had previously failed with conventional surgery. We created a patent iridotomy in all eyes, with one pulse in eight. Three of the four eyes with open-angle glaucoma had an intraocular pressure decrease of at least 15 mmHg after angle treatment. The major complication of Q-switched ruby iridotomy was blood and pigment within the anterior chamber obscuring the view of the iris. There were no apparent complications noted with Q-switched ruby angle treatment. The potential advantages, complications, and future uses of Q-switched lasers in glaucoma are discussed.