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Abstract #19211 Published in IGR 3-1
A new role for diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation?
Wilson MRArchives of Ophthalmology 2001; 119: 424-425
This editorial comments on an article by Egbert et al. on the use of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation as a primary treatment for glaucoma patients in Ghana. The question arises as to whether early treatment with transscleral cyclophotocoagulation is appropriate. To answer this question, the following considerations must be addressed: the success of treatment; complications of treatment; time-frame for assessing success and complications; and local factors such as the societal burden of disease, level of health care infrastructure, and availability of resources for providing alternate treatment options. Egbert et al. had a 48% success rate, bringing IOP to 22 mmHg or less. The only complication they reported was atonic pupil in 29% of eyes. The follow-up period was short. In another study, they reported decreased vision with transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in 23%. The rather low success rate compared with trabeculectomy is used against using transscleral cyclophotocoagulation. However, in Ghana where health care is very poor indeed, the method should be considered for treatment. In fact, the author states that, from a global context, any reasonably successful intervention that lowers IOP, has minimal complications, and can be delivered within the resource limitations of the local population, is welcome.
Dr M.R. Wilson, Creighton University School of Medicine, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA. e-mail: mrw@creighton.edu
Classification:
12.10 Cyclodestruction (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment)
