While this procedure has improved the control of glaucoma, the management of intraocular pressure in the immediate post-operative period has remained a problem. In addition, the author has demonstrated that a krypton laser can be used successfully for this procedure. There is no doubt that the procedure, which was formerly rare, has now become common. This simple surgery has become an outpatient procedure, rather than requiring hospital admission for three to seven days. The increased control which is gained with these new techniques has clearly helped to save eyes which otherwise might have been lost.
Neovascular glaucoma is one of the most dreaded forms of glaucoma.
Abnormal blood vessels develop rapidly within the eye, producing a sudden rise in the intraocular pressure and, in many instances, quick destruction and loss of the eye. It has been reported recently that this condition often occurs following a vascular accident to the retinal blood vessels. It is commonly seen in diabetic patients or following retinal artery or vein occlusions. If this damaged tissue were destroyed, the release of these toxins could be minimized and the eye might be saved. Panretinal photocoagulation, in which most of the damaged retinal tissue is destroyed by a laser, has been used to treat neovascular glaucoma.