Diode Laser Cyclophotocoagulation in the Management of Pain and Intraocular Pressure Control in Patients with Terminal Glaucoma—Six Years’ Experience

Silvestre Cruz,Diogo Cabral,Ana Vide Escada,Jorge Godinho Ferreira,Filipe Braz,João Segurado,José Fernandes

doi:10.4236/ojoph.2017.72013

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to describe the experience with diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in the control of intraocular pressure and resolution of pain in patients with refractory glaucoma. Methods: Retrospective study. 64 eyes of 60 patients who underwent cyclophotocoagulation between January 2008 and March 2014. Evaluation of the pre- and post-operative intraocular pressure, the control of ocular pain, the number of anti-glaucoma drugs used in pre- and post-intervention, the rate of complications and the success rate. Results: There was an overall success rate of 81.3%, with 9 eyes needing a second intervention. There was a mean reduction of 52.6% of the preoperative mean intraocular pressure of 41.25 to 19.56 mmHg at 12 months observation (p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant reduction in the number of anti-glaucoma drugs used from 3.19 to 2.01 per eye and the resolution of pain in 75% of patients. Conclusions: cyclophotocoagulation is an effective procedure, with an expected positive impact on quality of life of patients as a result from the decreased number of anti-glaucoma drugs, sustained intraocular pressure reduction and resolution of pain.

Highlights

IntroductionMany of these patients, even with maximum tolerated dosages of medication maintain significant painful symptomology
This study aims to describe the experience with diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in the control of intraocular pressure and resolution of pain in patients with refractory glaucoma
Evaluation of the pre- and post-operative intraocular pressure, the control of ocular pain, the number of anti-glaucoma drugs used in preand post-intervention, the rate of complications and the success rate

Summary

Introduction

Many of these patients, even with maximum tolerated dosages of medication maintain significant painful symptomology. Even with maximum tolerated dosages of medication maintain significant painful symptomology In these cases, the technical resources available such as surgical filtration devices with shunts and/or antimetabolites have been used with good success rates [1] [2]. The technical resources available such as surgical filtration devices with shunts and/or antimetabolites have been used with good success rates [1] [2] In cases where these techniques fail, the cyclodestructive techniques are an option [2]

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Discussion

Conclusion