[Laser trabeculopuncture. III Experiments with rhesus monkeys].

Argon-laser trabeculopuncture was carried out on 7 rhesus monkeys. Perforation of the trabecular meshwork was possible with laser impacts of 100 msec, 4,200 mW and a beam diameter of 50 mum. Clinical and histological observations covered an interval of up to 15 weeks after coagulation. They revealed an obliteration of both the trabecular holes and the canal of Schlemm after a few days. Shorter pulse durations and higher energies might be helpful to improve the effectiveness, possibly assisted by a therapy with anti-inflammatory agents.