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Abstract #6574 Published in IGR 3-2
Transscleral diode laser photocoagulation in refractory glaucoma
Pucci V; Marchini G; Pedrotti E; Morselli S; Bonomi LOphthalmologica 2001; 215: 263-266
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients with glaucoma refractory to medical or surgical treatment are difficult to treat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of contract transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (DLPC) on these patients' intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual acuity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven eyes of 36 patients suffering from refractory glaucoma and who had undergone DLPC, were followed for an average of 14 ± 4 months. The average age was 54 ± 26 years. IOP, visual acuity, and ocular complications were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 71 treatments were given. More than one treatment was given in 22 eyes (59%). The mean pretreatment IOP was 33.1 ± 3.3 mmHg. At the last follow-up, mean IOP was 21 ± 1.6 mmHg. Mean total medications were reduced from 4.4 ± 0.5 to 2.4 ± 0.3. No serious complications occurred in the 71 treatments. Visual acuity remained stable in 25 eyes (67.5%), improved in six eyes (16.2%), and decreased in six eyes (16.2%). CONCLUSIONS: DLPC is effective in lowering IOP in eyes with refractory glaucoma. It also serves to reduce the number of antiglaucoma medications. The procedure is relatively safe. Nevertheless, multiple DLPC applications may be needed.
Dr V. Pucci, Department of Neurological Science and Vision, Eye Clinic, University of Verona, Italy
Classification:
12.11 Cyclodialysis (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment)
