Comparative evaluation of the damaging action of ruby crystal Q-switched and argon lasers on filtration apparatus

In a comparative study on the damaging action of the ruby crystal Q-switched and argon lasers on the tissue of the drainage system of enucleated eyes, a varying mechanism was revealed for their action. The ruby crystal Q-switched laser was characterized by a greater damaging capability than the argon laser, which is combined with the commotio syndrome along the periphery of the focus of direct action of the laser beam. In a study of the damaging effect of the argon laser in a glaucomatous eye the need was found for a more careful study of laser action on the changed pathological processes of the tissue, in particular on the altered and thickened trabecula. The degree of absorption of laser radiation depends, evidently, not only on the degree of tissue pigmentation, but also on the characteristics of the proteins comprising it.