A Retrospective Study of Transcleral Cyclophotocoagulation Using the Slow Coagulation Technique for the Treatment of Refractory Glaucoma

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the success rates and safety of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) for the treatment of refractory glaucoma using the slow coagulation technique and the conventional technique. Methods: A retrospective, interventional case series of 44 patients (44 eyes) who underwent TSCPC using the slow coagulation technique (22 eyes) and conventional technique (22 eyes) in a tertiary hospital was done. The main outcome measures were success and complications. Success was defined as a final intraocular pressure (IOP) between 6 and 21 mmHg with or without IOP lowering medications with the cessation of oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor at 12 months. Results: Preoperative characteristics were statistically similar with regard to age, sex, laterality, diagnosis, IOP, and the number of glaucoma medications used. Both procedures had similar success rates of 40.9% and 36.3% in the conventional technique group and slow coagulation group, respectively (p = .757). The slow coagulation group had less prolonged anterior chamber inflammation (p = .048). Conclusions: Diode laser TSCPC using the slow coagulation technique is a safe and effective technique for lowering IOP in patients with refractory glaucoma in Chinese eyes.

Keywords: Cyclophotocoagulation; diode laser; intraocular pressure; neovascular glaucoma; refractory glaucoma.