Results of micropulse cyclophotocoagulation in patients with early stages of primary open-angle glaucoma

Abstract

PURPOSE. To evaluate the capabilities of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) in patients with early stages of glaucoma.METHODS. The study included 38 patients with early stages of primary open-angle glaucoma who underwent MP-TSCPC with SUPRA 810 (“Quantel Medical”, France) as primary surgical treatment. The follow-up period averaged 17±11 months (from 6 to 30 months). The Kaplan-Meier scale was used to assess the cumulative success of laser treatment.RESULTS. The postoperative period was uneventful. One month after MP-TSCPC a significant hypotensive effect was observed, averaging 41.5% from the baseline. After 6 months, the hypotensive effect continued to persist and averaged 36.1%. By 12 months, the hypotensive effect remained stable, IOP averaged 16.0±3.5 mm Hg, which was 31% from the baseline. No changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were detected during the observation period. Target intraocular pressure (IOP) was achieved in all cases. Optical coherence tomography and perimetry findings remained stable or improved.CONCLUSION. MP-TSCPC in patients with early stages of glaucoma leads to a pronounced stable hypotensive effect during the follow-up period, averaging 31% (from 20% to 50%). An improvement in the quality of life was noted due to the cease or reduction in the number of instillations. Monitoring of patients continues in order to develop practical recommendations for the indications and regimens of MP-TSCPC in the early stages of glaucoma.