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Micropulse transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in the treatment of refractory glaucoma
Author(s) -
Tan Anna M,
Chockalingam Muthuraman,
Aquino Maria C,
Lim Zena IL,
See Jovina LS,
Chew Paul TK
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
clinical and experimental ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.3
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1442-9071
pISSN - 1442-6404
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2010.02238.x
Subject(s) - medicine , intraocular pressure , refractory (planetary science) , glaucoma , ophthalmology , visual acuity , pars plana , laser coagulation , laser treatment , glaucoma medication , surgery , vitrectomy , laser , physics , astrobiology , optics
Background: Transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) is an established method of treatment for refractory glaucoma, but is associated with significant complications. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a new form of TSCPC using micropulse diode laser and trans‐pars plana treatment with a novel contact probe. Methods: Prospective interventional case series of 40 eyes of 38 consecutive patients with refractory glaucoma treated with micropulse TSCPC with a novel probe. Outcomes measured were success, hypotony and response rates. Results: The mean age of patients was 63.2 ± 16.0 years. The mean follow‐up period was 16.3 ± 4.5 months. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) before micropulse TSCPC was 39.3 ± 12.6 mmHg. Mean IOP decreased to 31.1 ± 13.4 mmHg at 1 day, 28.0 ± 12.0 mmHg at 1 week, 27.4 ± 12.7 mmHg at 1 month, 27.1 ± 13.6 mmHg at 3 months, 25.8 ± 14.5 mmHg at 6 months, 26.6 ± 14.7 mmHg at 12 months and 26.2 ± 14.3 mmHg at 18 months ( P < 0.001 at all time points). No patient had hypotony or loss of best‐corrected visual acuity. The overall success rate after a mean of 1.3 treatment sessions was 72.7%. Conclusion: Micropulse TSCPC is a safe and effective method of lowering IOP in cases of refractory glaucoma and is comparable with conventional TSCPC.