[Cryotherapy in treatment of neovascular glaucoma with closed chamber angle]

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical results of two cryosurgical methods in the treatment of neovascular glaucomas.

Patient and methods: In 43 eyes with acute neovascular glaucomas, cryosurgery was carried out. In 12 eyes, cyclocryocoagulation was performed as a single operation, whereas in 31 eyes transscleral panretinal cryocoagulation was combined with cyclocryocoagulation in one surgical session. The authors assess the effect of these two cryosurgical methods on the intraocular pressure, pain of the eye, visual acuity and neovascularization of the iris.

Results: The results of cyclocryocoagulation versus transscleral panretinal cryocoagulation in combination with cyclocryocoagulation were the achievement of an intraocular pressure up to 26 mmHg within 6 weeks after the operation: 5 (42%) v. 25 (81%), failure in reduction of the intraocular pressure: 4 (33%) v. 2 (6%), achievement of an only transient effect of reduction of the intraocular pressure: 3 (38%) (n = 8) v. 3 (14%) (n = 22). Regression of pain within 5 days postoperatively: 55% v. 100%. In five of six eyes, treated by application of the combined operation, the maintained visual acuity was 6/24-2/60 for a period of 6 months up to 1 year postoperatively.

Conclusion: The method of transscleral panretinal cryocoagulation in combination with cyclocryocoagulation shows better results than the performance of cyclocryocoagulation only.