Noninvasive closure of a persistent cyclodialysis cleft

Abstract

Background: A persistent post-traumatic cyclodialysis cleft can result in substantial visual loss due to subchoroidal effusion and macular folds with hypotony. A method of closure is needed.

Patients and methods: After other methods had been tried, the authors used transscleral YAG laser cyclophotocoagulation in three consecutive patients with 20 applications in two rows of ten applications, 2 to 3 mm behind the limbus, at a power setting of 6 J, with a defocus setting of 9.

Results: The cleft was closed with restoration of normal intraocular pressure and recovery of visual function in all patients.

Conclusion: Transscleral YAG laser cyclophotocoagulation is a simple, effective, noninvasive method of closing a persistent traumatic cyclodialysis cleft, which may make invasive surgical closure unnecessary.