Carbon dioxide laser surgery of the eye and adnexa.

A carbon dioxide laser which functions in both rapid superpulsed and continuous wave mode for use in ophthalmic surgery is described. Rapid superpulsed mode was found more effective in the creation of trabeculectomy-like procedures in glaucomatous human eyes with satisfactory results in 12 of 14 eyes treated. Continuous wave energy was found to be superior when full thickness eye wall resection was performed.