[Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation as primary surgical intervention in glaucoma]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Surgery
• Laser Therapy

Background:

• Trabeculectomy is the standard surgical treatment for uncontrolled glaucoma.
• Cyclophotocoagulation is typically a secondary or tertiary surgical option.
• Patient compliance is crucial for trabeculectomy success, excluding some individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of cyclophotocoagulation as a primary surgical intervention for glaucoma.
• To assess the impact of cyclophotocoagulation on intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication requirements.

Main Methods:

• Transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation was performed on ciliary processes.
• The study included 49 eyes from 47 patients followed for 24 months.
• Key metrics recorded were IOP, best-corrected visual acuity, and the number of antiglaucoma drugs.

Main Results:

• Mean patient age was 69.27 years.
• Cyclophotocoagulation reduced IOP by an average of 14.45 mmHg (-42.7%, p < 0.001).
• Medication use decreased by 1.31 drugs (-52%, p < 0.001), while visual acuity showed a slight deterioration (0.383 LogMAR, p = 0.004).

Conclusions:

• Cyclophotocoagulation can be considered a primary surgical treatment for specific glaucoma patients.
• It effectively lowers intraocular pressure and reduces medication burden.
• This approach provides an alternative for patients who may not be suitable for trabeculectomy.