Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation Research Articles

Efficacy of a novel low-cost torchlight transcorneal transillumination for diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in adult glaucoma.

To study the outcomes of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) with trans-corneal transillumination using a novel low-cost torchlight method in refractory glaucoma. This prospective interventional study included patients with refractory glaucoma who underwent TSCPC with trans-corneal transillumination (TSCPC-TI) using a novel low-cost torchlight method. Patients completing a minimum 6-month follow-up were analyzed. They were compared to a historical control group of patients who underwent TSCPC without transillumination (TSCPC-No TI) at 6-month follow-up period. We analyzed the mean laser energy delivered, post-laser intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, number of antiglaucoma medications (AGM), the requirement of retreatment and complications of the procedure in both groups. 32 eyes of 29 patients comprised the TSCPC-TI group and were compared with 39 eyes of 37 patients in the TSCPC-No TI group. The TSCPC-TI group required lower energy than the TSCPC-No TI group (46.15 ± 22.8 Vs 80.65 ± 56.1 J p < 0.001). At 6-month follow-up, the TSCPC-TI group required lesser AGM for IOP control (2.33 ± 1.02 vs 3.02 ± 1.32 p = 0.01). There was a significantly reduced dependence of oral acetazolamide in the TSCPC-TI group at 6 months follow-up (15.6% vs 41% p = 0.03%). The success and response rates were 71.8% Vs 23.1%; p < 0.0001 and 87.5% Vs 51.2%; p = 0.001 significantly high in the TSCPC-TI group. The TSCPC-No TI group had a significantly high failure rate (12.5% Vs 48.2% p = 0.001). Hypotony (n = 1) and phthisis (n = 2) were noted TSCPC-No TI group. TSCPC with transillumination with a low-cost torchlight resulted in a more efficient and effective cycloablation than TSCPC without transillumination.

Comparison of GATT versus micropulse transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation combined with GATT in patients with advanced glaucoma.

To compare the efficacy of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) versus micropulse transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation(MP-TDLC) combined with GATT in the treatment of advanced glaucoma. This retrospective comparative study study included 82 patients (82 eyes) with a diagnosis of advanced glaucoma: 36 patients underwent GATT, and 46 underwent GATT + MP-TDLC. Intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in patients who underwent GATT and GATT MP-TDLC were analyzed retrospectively at regular intervals during the 6-month follow-up period. For the 82 patients included in this study, the mean ± SD IOPs before the procedures were 27.2 ± 8.5 mmHg in the GATT group and 26.6 ± 6.9 mmHg in the GATT + MP-TDLC group (p = 0.866), and the numbers of glaucoma medications used were 3.41 ± 0.5 in the GATT group and 3.36 ± 0.4 in the GATT + MP-TDLC group (p = 0.605). The mean IOP after GATT was 13.6 ± 3.9 mmHg at day 1, 13.9 ± 3.7 mmHg at week 1, 14.6 ± 4.0 mmHg at month 1, 15.3 ± 4.3 mmHg at month 3, and 14.7 ± 3.3 mmHg at month 6. In the GATT + MP-TDLC group, the postoperative day 1, week 1, month 1, month 3, and month 6 IOP values were 12.4 ± 2.5, 11.8 ± 1.8, 12.1 ± 2.0, 11.8 ± 1.09, and 11.8 ± 1.5 mmHg, respectively. GATT was found to be effective in the treatment of patients with advanced glaucoma, and results closer to the targeted low teens IOP values were obtained with GATT + MP-TDLC.

Surgical outcomes of pediatric glaucoma in Indian eyes

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of pediatric glaucoma in a cohort of Indian population. Materials and Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study including pediatric glaucoma patients who had undergone surgery between January 2012 and January 2022. The surgeries performed were trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C or Ologen, combined trabeculectomy with trabeculotomy (CTT), Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation, and diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation. Success was defined as complete if intraocular pressure (IOP) was between 6 and 21 mmHg in children who were examined on slit lamp, or between 6 and 18 mmHg in patients examined under general anesthesia, in the absence of any glaucoma medication and as qualified, with glaucoma medication at the last follow-up. Outcome measures included IOP at the last follow-up, number of glaucoma medications, any complications, and additional surgeries. Results: Seventy-eight eyes of 68 children were included. The most common glaucoma types were primary congenital glaucoma (30.8%), followed by posttraumatic glaucoma (17.9%) and postvitreoretinal surgery glaucoma (16.7%). The mean IOP reduced from 34.17 ± 9.35 mmHg preoperatively to 21.38 ± 9.61 mmHg at the last follow-up (P &lt; 0.001). The number of glaucoma medications reduced from 2.55 ± 1.10 preoperatively to 1.76 ± 1.26 at the last follow-up (P &lt; 0.001). Success was achieved in 62.8% of eyes and the mean survival time was 3.62 years. Among all procedures, AGV implantation had a longer survival time (mean 4.86 years). Conclusion: Pediatric glaucoma management remains a challenge. Majority of the cases remain refractory in spite of multiple surgical interventions. AGV and CTT could be offered as primary surgery in cases of pediatric glaucoma with hazy cornea where goniotomy may not be an option.

Slow coagulation versus micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for refractory childhood glaucoma.

To compare the safety and efficacy of micropulse laser (MP-TSCP) and slow coagulation transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) with a diode laser for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with refractory childhood glaucoma (CG). Patients with CG and at least 12 months of medical chart data were included. Data on preoperative and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. The primary outcomes were an IOP of 6-21 mmHg and/or ≥ 20% reduction in the baseline value. A total of 17 eyes were included. The preoperative mean IOP was 28 mmHg in the MP-TSCP and 29.9 mmHg in the TSCP. The mean IOP decreased significantly to 17.26 ± 3.27 mmHg in the MP-TSCP and 14.68 ± 5.79 mmHg TSCP at the last medical record. Three anti-glaucoma meds were administered to the eyes preoperatively in both groups. A mean of 1.02 eye drops was administered to the MP-TSCP and 2.06 to the TSCP. The number of medications decreased by 2.38 ± 1.55 in the MP-TSCP and 0.82 ± 1.68 in the TSCP. The median preoperative visual acuity (logMAR) was 1.51 ± 1.06 in the MP-TSCP and 1.87 ± 0.74 in the TSCP. The variation in mean visual acuity (logMAR) was -0.027 ± 0.05 in the MP-TSCP and -0.40 ± 0.58 in the TSCP. The most frequent complication was corneal decompensation (one - MP-TSCP and two - TSCP). Both techniques were effective and relatively safe for reducing IOP. These techniques appear to extend the indications of cyclophotocoagulation in CG eyes and improve the functional prognosis.

Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-CPC): efficacy endpoints for the treatment of refractory paediatric glaucoma - a retrospective case-series

BackgroundThis study evaluates the efficacy and safety of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-CPC) in paediatric patients.MethodsThis retrospective case-series recruited 44 eyes for glaucoma patients who were younger than 17 years and were treated with MP-CPC and followed for at least one year. Pre- and post-intervention intraocular pressure (IOP) was compared out to at least one year postoperatively. Success rates at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively were assessed. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThere were 35 (79.5%) eyes with a history of glaucoma surgery. IOP decreased statistically significantly from a baseline of 32.7 (standard deviation:8.7 mmHg) to 23.2 (8.6) and 21.7 (7.9) mmHg at the 6 months and 1-year follow-up, respectively (P < 0.0001, all comparisons). Overall success was noted in 19 (47.5%) eyes at the 6 months follow-up, and 23 (53.5%) eyes at 1 year.ConclusionsMP-CPC reduces IOP and the burden of medications in paediatric patients with glaucoma. Additionally, its safety profile favours the use of MP-CPC as an adjunctive modality for refractory glaucoma.

REDUCTION OF INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE POST MICRO PULSE TRANSSCLERAL CYCLOPHOTOCOAGULATION IN REFRACTORY GLAUCOMA PATIENTS

Introduction &amp; ObjectivesCyclodestructive laser is one of the last resource managements for refractory glaucoma, especiallywith low visual potential. Conventional laser using CW-TSCPC showed unstable IOP reduction withcollateral tissue damage. MP-TSCPC using on and off cyclic waves is considered to have a gooddegree of IOP reduction and fewer complications. The purpose of this study is to assess the IOPreduction after the MP-TSCPC procedures for patients with refractory glaucoma.&#x0D; MethodsThis is a prospective observational study for refractory glaucoma patients treated with the MPTSCPClaser procedure. Measurement of IOP was carried out preoperatively and on postoperativedays 1, 7, and 30 with the gold standard Goldmann applanation tonometry.&#x0D; ResultsA total of 33 eyes from 33 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean baseline IOP was 48.45 ±12,79 mmHg. The mean degree of IOP reduction on follow-up days 1, 7, and 30 were 14.39 ±23.52%, 45,83 ± 24,80 and 27.09 ± 23.86% respectively. On the 30th day after the laser treatment,no complications were observed. The number of anti-glaucoma medication was reduced from 2.39 ±0.49 at the baseline to 1.91 ± 0.58 at one month follow up.&#x0D; ConclusionMicro-pulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation laser showed a good degree of IOP reduction with noincidence of complication observed at day 30.

The Challenges of Handling Neovascular Glaucoma at Undaan Eye Hospital Surabaya, Indonesia

Introduction &amp; Objectives : The management of neovascular glaucoma is challenging because frequently it is incurable with poor visual prognosis. Delay in treatment can lead to sight threatening glaucoma. This study aimed to provide an overview of incidence and management of neovascular glaucoma at Undaan Eye Hospital.&#x0D; Methods : This descriptive epidemiology study comprised 111 eyes of 102 patients. The inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with NVG who came to Undaan Eye Hospital for 1 year (January 2021 to December 2021). Patients with incomplete medical records were excluded. The patient’s age, gender, risk factors, and treatment were reviewed.&#x0D; Results : There were 102 patients (111 eyes) diagnosed with NVG. The patients were mostly men (53,2%) and the mean age was 54.98 ± 12,4 years. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) was observed in 70 (63,1%) eyes, hypertension in 60 (54,1%) eyes, central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in 11 (9,9%) eyes, cholesterol in 7 (6,3%) eyes, and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in 1 (0,9%) eyes. Mean IOP at the time of diagnosis was 42,8 ± 11,2 mmHg. Anti-VEGF (25,2%), trabeculectomy (59,5%), glaucoma drainage device (17,1%), micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (5,4%) were done as an option of the treatment.&#x0D; Conclusion : NVG is more common in men. Most patients presenting NVG had DM and hypertension with mean IOP of 42,8 mmHg. Trabeculectomy is the most commonly performed procedure.

Changes in intraocular pressure during the first 24 h after transscleral cyclophotocoagulation.

To estimate the changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) during the first 24 h after transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TCP). A prospective single-centre study, where patients with glaucoma destined for treatment with TCP were asked for participation. The IOP was measured prior to TCP and at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 24 h post-TCP. An IOP spike was defined as an elevation of IOP of ≥5 mmHg compared with baseline. The visual acuity (VA) was examined at baseline and after 24 h. The mean IOP prior to TCP in 58 eyes of 58 patients was 26.2 (±8.9 SD) mmHg. Twenty-three eyes (40%) experienced an IOP spike at some examination timepoint during the first 24 h. The mean value of the IOP spike was 12.1 (±6.9) mmHg. Fifty-six per cent of the eyes with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) experienced an IOP spike, and 16% had an IOP spike ≥20 mmHg. The IOP was significantly reduced at the 24 h examination by 8.1 (±7.8) mmHg (n = 58). The VA 24 h after TCP was unchanged compared with baseline. Clinically significant IOP spikes were common in the first 24 h post-TCP. Almost one in five eyes had an increase of 10 mmHg and in almost one in 10 eyes, the IOP increase was 20 mmHg or higher. Eyes with PEXG had a higher occurrence of IOP spikes and displayed a greater magnitude of IOP elevation. Prophylactic post-operative IOP-lowering medication should be considered to prevent further glaucoma damage.

Cyklofotokoagulacja przeztwardówkowa za pomocą mikropulsowego lasera diodowego

Laser and surgical treatments are widely used in ophthalmology. Micropulsive transscleral cyclophotocoagulation is a safe, minimally invasive method of treating glaucoma. The MicroPulse laser can be used in children and adults. The success of treatment aimed at preventing eye damage or slowing the progression of the disease depends on proper patient preparation and proper post-operative care. The purpose of the following study is to present the criterion of qualification for the procedure, treatment protocol, effectiveness and safety profile of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation.

Cyclodiode vs micropulse transscleral laser treatment.

Continuous-wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CW-TSCP) is usually reserved for advanced/refractory glaucoma. Micropulse transscleral laser therapy (MPTLT) utilises short energy pulses separated by 'off'-periods. MPTLT is postulated to have fewer complications, but its relative efficacy is not known. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has deemed the evidence supporting MPTLT use of inadequate quality, limiting its use to research. This study aims to evaluate MPTLT efficacy and safety compared to CW-TSCP. This 24-month follow-up retrospective audit included 85 CW-TSCP and 173 MPTLT eyes at a London tertiary referral centre. Primary outcome was success rate at the last follow-up; defined as at least 20% intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction with the same/fewer medications, and IOP between 6 and 18 mmHg. Secondary outcomes were acetazolamide use and success rates per glaucoma type. Safety outcomes were reported as complication rates. By 24-months, mean IOP reduced from 34.6[±1.4]mmHg to 19.0[ ± 3.0]mmHg post-CW-TSCP (p < 0.0001); and from 26.1[±0.8]mmHg to 19.1[±2.2]mmHg post-MPTLT (p < 0.0001). Average IOP decreased by 45.1% post-CW-TSCP, and 26.8% post-MPTLT. Both interventions reduced medication requirements (p ≤ 0.05). More CW-TSCP patients discontinued acetazolamide (p = 0.047). Overall success rate was 26.6% for CW-TSCP and 30.6% for MPTLT (p = 0.83). Only primary closed-angle glaucoma saw a significantly higher success rate following CW-TSCP (p = 0.014). CW-TSCP complication rate was significantly higher than MPTLT (p = 0.0048). Both treatments significantly reduced IOP and medication load. CW-TSCP had a greater absolute/proportionate IOP-lowering effect, but it carried a significantly greater risk of sight-threatening complications. Further prospective studies are required to evaluate MPTLT compared to CW-TSCP.

Dynamics of intraocular pressure in patients with refractory glaucoma after transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in micropulse mode

A retrospective analysis of IOP values was carried out in 38 patients (38 eyes) with refractory glaucoma stage III–IV after transscleral micropulse cyclophotocoagulation (mCPC) using the Cyclo G6 IRIDEX device on the next day after the procedure, after 1 month, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. The dynamics of IOP in the postoperative period largely depends on the initial values of the clinical parameter and does not depend on the patient’s age (p = 0.32), glaucoma stage (p = 0.46), history of antiglaucoma surgery (p = 0.34), the number of used drugs (p = 0.72). After mCPC, patients with lower baseline IOP values have a higher decrease in the indicator (-36 %) and a gradual increase by the follow-up period of 12–24 months compared with patients with high baseline IOP values.

Continuous Wave Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation and Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation in Childhood Glaucoma: A Meta-analysis.

To report the outcomes of continuous wave-transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TS-CPC) and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) in childhood glaucoma. We performed a systematic search of relevant databases. We collected data on age, follow-up duration, type of glaucoma, previous surgical interventions, preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), preoperative and postoperative number of glaucoma medications, adverse events, number of sessions, and success rates at different time points. The main outcome measures are the amount of IOP and glaucoma medication reduction. We included 17 studies studying 526 patients (658 eyes); 11 evaluated the effectiveness of TS-CPC (268 patients, 337 eyes), 5 evaluated ECP (159 patients, 197 eyes), and one study compared both techniques (56 patients, 72 eyes for TS-CPC vs. 43 patients, 52 eyes for ECP). The median duration of follow-up was 28 months in the TS-CPC group and 34.4 months in the ECP group. The mean number of treatment sessions was 1.7 in the TS-CPC and 1.3 in the ECP. In the TS-CPC group, the mean IOP was significantly reduced from 31.2±8 to 20.8±8mmHg at the last follow-up (P<0.001). The mean number of glaucoma medications was reduced from 2.3±1.3 to 2.2±1.3 (P=0.37). In the ECP group, there was also a significant reduction in the mean IOP from 32.9±8mmHg with a mean of 1.7±0.7 glaucoma medications to 22.6±9.8mmHg (P<0.0001) on 1.2±1.1 medications (P=0.009) at the last follow-up. Both TS-CPC and ECP were effective in reducing the IOP and glaucoma medications in childhood glaucoma. Multiple treatment sessions were required.

Success of Endoscopic Laser Cyclophotocoagulation vs Repeat Transscleral Treatment after Prior Transscleral Cycloablation.

To compare the efficacy of endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) vs repeat transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TCP) in eyes with persistent glaucoma despite prior treatment with TCP. This was a retrospective chart review of glaucoma patients at the American University of Beirut Medical Center over 10 years who underwent ECP or repeat TCP. We reported qualified and complete success; success was defined as postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤21 mm Hg, with (qualified) or without medications (complete) and without procedure-related complications. This study included 23 eyes of 21 patients with various forms of uncontrolled glaucoma who had failed TCP. A total of 13 eyes of 12 patients underwent ECP with a mean age of 39.9 ± 23.2 years, and 10 eyes of nine patients underwent repeat TCP with a mean age of 27.2 ± 22.6 years. A significant decrease in IOP was observed from 38.5 ± 7.9 mm Hg preoperatively to 25.2 ± 8.8 mm Hg postrepeat TCP (p = 0.006) and from 33.0 ± 9.5 to 12.8 ± 3.9 mm Hg post-ECP (p < 0.001), noted at a mean follow-up time of 39.2 ± 44.4 and 41.5 ± 37.4 months, respectively. The mean number of antiglaucoma medications decreased in the two groups (from 3.8 ± 1.0 preoperatively to 1.8 ± 0.9 postoperatively for ECP and from 3.5 ± 1.3 to 3.1 ± 0.9 postoperatively for TCP); however, the drop was only statistically significant post-ECP. Qualified success was significantly higher after ECP vs repeat TCP (91.7 vs 40%, respectively). Complete success was achieved only in 1/12 (8.3%) eyes in the ECP group. Endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) performed in glaucomatous eyes previously treated with transscleral cycloablation provided more IOP control as compared to repeat TCP by directly treating viable tissue in previously skipped ciliary processes and in between processes. In glaucomatous eyes previously treated with transscleral cycloablation, ECP attained better IOP control than repeat transscleral cycloablation. Al-Haddad C, Barikian A, Moussawi ZE, et al. Success of Endoscopic Laser Cyclophotocoagulation vs Repeat Transscleral Treatment after Prior Transscleral Cycloablation. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2023;17(4):191-196.

Comparison of the efficacy of micropulse diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation using different energy protocols

Abstract: PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of laser treatment settings of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation treatment in glaucoma patients and to evaluate the relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and different treatment parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 74 eyes in 64 glaucoma patients with IOP over 21 mmHg or under 20 mmHg with visual field progression who underwent micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation treatment were included. Patients were divided into success and failure groups based on criteria of 20% IOP reduction rate. The predictive factors of IOP reduction between success and failure groups and the IOP reduction rates in the different treatment duration groups were evaluated. Predictive factors for IOP reduction were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression models. RESULTS: Patients in the success group had significantly higher baseline IOP (median: 28.0 vs. 23.0 mmHg; P = 0.016) and longer treatment times (median: 240 vs. 160 s; P = 0.001). Treatment duration range between 200 and 240 s achieved significantly higher intraocular pressure reduction rates (47.8 ± 17.4%) than durations under 140 s (23.1 ± 14.2%). Univariate analysis showed that baseline IOP and treatment duration were significant contributing factors in IOP reduction. Multivariable analysis further demonstrated that treatment duration over 200 s was the significant predictive factor for IOP reduction. CONCLUSION: Treatment duration settings were the most significant factor of IOP reduction rates in micropulse cyclophotocoagulation. Customized therapy according to the target IOP reduction rate can be applied with different treatment duration settings to achieve optimal outcomes.

Micropulse cyclophotocoagulation compared to continuous wave cyclophotocoagulation for the management of refractory pediatric glaucoma.

Micropulse cyclophotocoagulation (MPCPC) has been shown in adults to offer a favorable post-operative safety profile compared to continuous wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CWCPC) in the management of glaucoma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long term efficacy, safety, and effectiveness of MPCPC in the management of pediatric glaucoma when compared to CWCPC. IRB approved retrospective chart review of patients with pediatric glaucoma that underwent MPCPC and CWCPC at 2 separate institutions. Success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) between 5 and 21mmHg on any number of topical glaucoma medication without requiring additional surgical intervention or oral IOP lowering medication. Of the 48 patients in the study, 22 (26 eyes) underwent MPCPC and 26 (30 eyes) underwent CWCPC. At 1 year, 7 out of 26 eyes (26.9%) achieved success in the MPCPC group compared to 13 out of 30 eyes (43.3%) in the CWCPC group. Survival analysis unveiled a statistically significant difference in success between the two groups (p = 0.03). In pediatric glaucoma patients undergoing cyclophotocoagulation procedures, CWCPC outperformed MPCPC using default settings in terms of achieving long-term IOP control. Additional studies are required to evaluated augmented MPCPC settings in pediatric glaucoma patients.

Different techniques in transscleral cyclophotocoagulation

Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) is a minimally invasive laser procedure used to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. By selectively coagulating the ciliary body, TSCPC reduces the production of aqueous humour and lowers intraocular pressure. TSCPC can be performed using various laser delivery methods, including “pop”‐titrated (PT–CPC), “slow‐burn” (SB‐CPC), and micropulse techniques (MP‐CPC).MP‐TSCPC has been shown to be effective in lowering IOP in patients with mild to moderate glaucoma, but may be less effective in patients with more advanced glaucoma or those with higher baseline IOP levels. PT/SB‐CPC, on the other hand, has been shown to be effective in lowering IOP in patients with refractory glaucoma who have not responded to other treatment options. Although there is a lot of research on the efficacy and safety of TSCPC, there is still limited data available, particularly comparing different TSCPC techniques.The present talk will summarize our experience with different TSCPC techniques, including patient selection, potential risks and benefits.

Long-Term Results of Transscleral Diode Laser Cyclophotocoagulation in Glaucoma: A Real-Life Study.

Transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation is effective and safe in a large population and different types of glaucoma, but is least effective in NVG group. We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (TDLC) in a large cohort of patients with different types of refractory glaucoma. Using patient charts, we retrospectively analyzed the success and complications of TDLC performed on eyes categorized in 6 groups: primary glaucoma (116 eyes), trauma (41 eyes), neovascular glaucoma (NVG, 84 eyes), post-vitreoretinal surgery (post-VRS, 79 eyes), penetrating keratoplasty (PK, 47 eyes), and miscellaneous (40 eyes). Failure was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) >22mmHg or <5mmHg, the need for further glaucoma surgery, and the loss of light perception during follow-up. Overall, the mean follow-up time was 33.4±17.4 months, the mean total energy delivered was 109.2±56.5 J, and the mean IOP reduction rate was 41.8%. Total energy delivered and IOP reduction rates were similar between the groups (all P >0.05). The probability of success at 36 months was 71.5%, 70.7%, 55.9%, 77.2%, 72.3%, and 72.5% in the primary glaucoma, trauma, NVG, post-VRS, PK, and miscellaneous groups, respectively. The NVG group showed a significantly lower success rate (P=0.009) than the other groups. Significant complications consisted of phthisis bulbi in 1 eye (0.2%) in the NVG group and chronic hypotony in 7 eyes (1.7%) in the NVG (3 eyes), trauma (2 eyes), post-VRS (1 eye), and primary glaucoma (1 eye) groups. Although TDLC was found to be a safe, effective method in the long term, it was least effective in eyes with NVG.

The outcomes of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in refractory primary angle-closure glaucoma in a South Indian population.

The surgical intervention of refractory primary angle-closure glaucomas (PACGs) is a big challenge to any ophthalmologist since the efficacy of lens extraction in eyes with a long duration of angle closure is limited. Also, trabeculectomy in such eyes is not without vision-threatening complications. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) in eyes with refractory PACG. A retrospective study analyzing all patients who underwent CPC for refractory PACG in the year 2019 was conducted. Out of the 68 patients recruited, 56 PACG patients fulfilled the study criteria. The mean age of the participants was 58.5 years. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) intraocular pressure (IOP) at baseline was 38.91 (14.86) mmHg, and it ranged from 21 to 74 mmHg. Participants' mean (SD) follow-up duration was 11.87 (7.83) months. Almost 90.9% of eyes showed IOP reduction from baseline during the follow-up period. There was also a reduction in the mean antiglaucoma medications (AGM) to 2.67 (1.29) in the final follow-up visit compared to the baseline of 3.30 (0.81). Chronic hypotony was noted in four eyes, out of which phthisis bulbi occurred in one eye. Six eyes underwent additional incisional surgical procedures. The outcomes from our study support the role of transscleral diode laser CPC in the interim optimization of IOP in PACG eyes refractory to other modalities. This is emerging as a primary treatment option to optimize IOP to safer limits before any planned incisional procedure. Though complications like chronic hypotony occur as anticipated, vision-threatening complications are rare.

Micropulse cyclophoto-coagulation in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma: early results

Aim – to evaluate the efficacy and safety of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) procedure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).&#x0D; Material and methods. The study was conducted in 21 patients with POAG and uncompensated intraocular pressure (IOP) using pharmacotherapy. All patients underwent MP-TSCPC procedure with IRIDEX Cyclo G6 device. The follow-up period lasted for 1 month. During this time, the visual acuity, IOP dynamics, complications, as well as the number of hypotensive drugs used were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using STATISTICA 12.0 software.&#x0D; Results. Among patients with moderate and advanced glaucoma, the IOP reduced by 46.7 (3.3; 64.3) % from baseline values by the end of the follow-up period. The target IOP was achieved in 30.7% of patients. In 75% of patients who achieved target IOP, the number of hypotensive drops used was reduced by 1 component. In all patients with terminal stage glaucoma, pain was relieved, and IOP was reduced by 35.5 (8.4; 41.1) %. No intra- or postoperative complications were reported in any case.&#x0D; Conclusion. MP-TSCPC can be considered as a relatively safe adjunctive method to achieve target IOP in addition to medical treatment in patients with moderate and advanced glaucoma, as well as appropriate method to control pain in patients with the terminal stage of the disease.

Evaluation of laser power stability of repeatedly used SubCyclo probe in micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for glaucoma: A step towards sustainable ophthalmic surgery

Purpose To evaluate the laser power stability of the SubCyclo probe for micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation after repeated use. Materials and methods This experimental study involved 6 new probes. Each probe was connected to the SubCyclo mode (2,000 mW power, 31.3% duty cycle, and 100 seconds duration) of the Vitra 810 laser delivery system (Quantel Medical, France). Laser power measurements were taken using a calibrated laser power meter (Nova, Ophir Optronics Solutions, Israel) every 10 seconds from 10 to 90 seconds during each of the 40 cycles. Intra-rater reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation (ICC). A linear mixed model for repeated measures and pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni adjustment were used for the analysis. Results The mean (SD) power outputs of all probes for the first cycle and all cycles were 421.9 (19.7) mW and 436.7 (16.1) mW, respectively. During the first cycle, the mean (SD) laser power gradually decreased from 444.3 (13.4) mW at 10 seconds to 407.3 (17.0) mW at 90 seconds (Fig 3). For all cycles, the power was 446.0 (13.6) mW at 10 seconds and gradually declined to 426.8 (21.0) mW at 90 seconds. Pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences in mean laser power outputs after 16 cycles of repeated use compared to the first cycle. The ICC estimate (95% CI) for intra-rater reliability was 0.96 (0.89, 0.99). Conclusions The SubCyclo probe maintains stable laser power outputs throughout repeated use for up to 16 cycles, with a significant increase observed after 16 cycles.