Cyclophotocoagulation in glaucoma therapy.

In a morphological study, the long-term effects of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation on rabbits using the free-running Nd:YAG laser with either a contact or a non-contact delivery system are described. A marked atrophy of the irradiated ciliary processes may be observed. Regeneration of the ciliary epithelial layers is incomplete at least up to 8 months after treatment. The vascular network is also atrophic, and shows a small regenerative capacity only.