[Intraocular pressure after cyclophotocoagulation with the diode laser]

Abstract

Background: The reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) following a single cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) procedure with a diode laser was investigated retrospectively.

Method: CPC was performed on 150 eyes with a diode laser using standard parameters. The decrease of IOP between the 1st and 3rd day after surgery, after 6 months and after 1 year was investigated for different types of glaucoma and complications were documented.

Results: Overall and also in the individual groups the mean reduction of IOP within the first 3 days postoperation was 35%. The main effect, however, occurred within the 1st day after CPC. In the long-term results for 6 months and 1 year, the mean pressure values remained relatively stable but with a high standard deviation. A postoperative inflammatory reaction in the anterior chamber was observed in 15 eyes, 1 eye showed a temporary hypotension and 2 eyes a phthisis. Success of CPC was almost identical in all treatment groups with a 38% decrease of IOP after the 1st year. Additionally IOP was stable at a low level during the 1st year after CPC. After 1 year 42% of all eyes were still successfully treated: 38% of eyes needed further CPC treatment.

Conclusions: CPC is an effective procedure for surgical reduction of intraocular pressure. The initial pressure-reducing effect of CPC was not related to the type of glaucoma. The individual predictability of the effect of CPC, however, is difficult because of the high interindividual differences. The rate of complications is low.