Early effect of argon laser trabeculoplasty on human meshwork: an electron microscopic study

An electron microscopic study, using transmission electron microscopy, was performed on trabeculectomy specimens obtained from human phakic eyes scheduled for trabeculectomy for uncontrolled primary open angle glaucoma, few hours to one week after Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty [ALT]. The early results showed disruption of trabecular beams, coagulative necrosis within the beam core, rupture of the endothelial cells covering the beam and heavy dispersion of tissue dibris and pigment granules. The one week specimens showed collagen fiber deposition as well as decrease in tissue debris. The cornea! endothelium nearby the laser site was damaged. No inflammatory cells were seen in any of the specimen examined