A new role for diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation?

Long-term efficacy and visual acuity following transscleral diode laser photocoagulation in cases of refractory and non-refractory glaucoma

AIMS

Transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) is widely accepted in the treatment of refractory glaucoma especially in eyes with poor vision. However, until recently, there has been a reluctance to extend its use to eyes with good visual acuity (VA). The aims of this study were to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of TSCP for a range of glaucoma conditions, with particular emphasis on post-treatment VA in seeing eyes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of case notes of 74 treated eyes was conducted over a period of 4-30 months (mean 12.5 months).

RESULTS

Mean (SD) intraocular pressure (IOP) was reduced by 43% from 40.3 (6.7) to 21.1 mmHg (5.4) at the final index visit. Of all patients, 58% had a reduction in glaucoma drops and all discontinued oral Acetazolamide; 9% experienced complications. Mean VA was preserved in the subgroups with good vision, although 3/23 (13%) patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) lost vision due to cataract and glaucoma progression. There were no cases of hypotony (IOP<or=5 mmHg) or phthisis and only one eye required re-treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

TSCP is highly effective and safe for various types of glaucoma, and its use can be extended to eyes with good vision.