Laser cyclophotocoagulation in treatment of refractory glaucoma

Long - term effect of transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in treatment of refractory glaucoma [Ophthalmology] Keywords:diode laser,cyclophotocoagulation,refractory glaucoma Abstract AIM: To evaluate the long-term efficiency of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (DL Tscpc) for refractory glaucoma. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was made in 431 eyes with refractory glaucoma treated by DL Tscpc with lower energy power (1.5-2.5W) and more laser spots (26-34). Intraocular pressure (IOP), visualacuity, ocular symptoms and complications were observed after DLTscpc. Patients were followed up over 36 months. RESULTS: Mean pre-operative IOP was (56.2±12.7)mmHg which was significantly different from the final follow-up mean IOP (17.3±8.8)mmHg. (P < 0.05). The success rate was 94.4% (68/72). Postoperative visual acuity kept no change in 399 eyes; elevated in 30 eyes and decreased in two eyes. The pain sense disappeared or remarkably relieved. The main complications included mild uveitis and hyphemae. Atrophy of eyeball occurred in two eyes. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that DL TScpc is a simple, safe and effective therapy for eyes with refractory glaucoma through long-term observation. KEYWORDS: diode laser; cyclophotocoagulation; refractory glaucoma