Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation using a semiconductor diode laser in cadaver eyes.

We studied the effectiveness of semiconductor diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in cadaver eyes using the Miyake technique and light microscopy. Thermal lesions in the ciliary processes were induced with 0.7-second, 1200-mW, and 100- to 500-microns applications, 0.5 mm from the surgical limbus and defocused 1 mm posteriorly. An effective ciliary body reaction was observed grossly as tissue blanching, shrinkage, and pigment dispersion; and histologically, as coagulation necrosis and epithelial cell disruption. No damage to crystalline or intraocular lenses was evident. This successful application of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in cadaver eyes suggests that it may prove useful in treating patients with glaucoma.