The long-term effect of diode laser cyclodestruction on intraocular pressure
Callens, C.; D'Hondt, K.; Zeyen, T.
Bulletin de la Societe Belge d'Ophtalmologie 2003(289): 81-86
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0081-0746 PMID: 14619633 Document Number: 565332
We retrospectively reviewed the first 24 patients (26 eyes) who underwent ab externo diode laser cyclodestruction for refractory glaucoma and who had a follow-up of at least 10 months. We compared the intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of antiglaucomatous medications used pre- and postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 28 months (range 10 to 50 months). The mean IOP before and after treatment was respectively 30 +/- 12 mmHg and 22 +/- 12 mmHg (p < 0.05), a mean reduction of 29%. The average number of treatment sessions was 1.5 (range 1 to 5). An IOP < or = 21 mmHg was obtained in 65% of the cases; an IOP < or = 17 mmHg was achieved in 46% of the cases. The mean number of anti-glaucomatous medications used pre- and postoperatively was respectively 2.3 and 1.7 (p < 0.05). Only mild postoperative uveitis was observed; no eye developed phthisis bulbi. The study suggests that diode laser cyclodestruction is a safe procedure that can reduce the IOP in the long term in patients with refractory glaucoma.