Iridotomies in cynomolgus monkeys using a Q-switched ruby laser

Laser iridotomies were produced in cynomolgus monkeys with a single pulse, using a Q-switched ruby laser. Iridotomies could be reliably and safely produced using energy levels between 30 and 90 mJ. Energy levels between 110 and 300 mJ produced large iridotomies with a single pulse, but were often complicated by lenticular and corneal changes, and bleeding into the anterior chamber. The studies suggest that if the favorable results at the lower energy levels can be extended to the human, the Q-switched ruby laser might be quite useful in the treatment of angle-closure glaucoma and, hopefully, could serve as an alternate method of treatment for those few cases that do not respond well to treatment with the argon laser.