CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery, part II: multicenter clinical preliminary study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation
• Glaucoma Research

Background:

• Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
• Current surgical treatments aim to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) but can have limitations.
• Novel minimally invasive surgical techniques are needed to improve OAG management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery (CLASS) for primary and pseudoexfoliative open-angle glaucoma.
• To assess the safety and effectiveness of the CLASS procedure in reducing IOP.
• To determine the success rates of CLASS at various follow-up intervals.

Main Methods:

• CLASS was performed using a CO2 laser system on patients with open-angle glaucoma.
• The laser system ablates scleral layers to facilitate fluid percolation.
• Intraocular pressure (IOP) was monitored at baseline and multiple time points up to 12 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Mean baseline IOP of 26.3±7.8 mm Hg decreased significantly to 14.3±3.1 mm Hg at 12 months (40.7% reduction).
• Complete success (IOP 5-18 mm Hg, no medication) was achieved by 60% of patients at 12 months.
• Qualified success (IOP 5-18 mm Hg, with or without medication) was achieved by 86.6% of patients at 12 months.

Conclusions:

• CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery (CLASS) demonstrates significant IOP reduction in open-angle glaucoma.
• The procedure is associated with mild, transient complications and high success rates.
• CLASS presents a potentially simple, safe, and effective treatment option for open-angle glaucoma.