Combined Ab Externo Cyclopexy and Cryopexy in Cyclodialysis Cleft Repair

To evaluate outcomes of an ab externo surgical technique combining cyclopexy with partial-thickness scleral flap dissection and suture reattachment of ciliary muscle and cryopexy through partial-scleral bed for cyclodialysis cleft repair.

Consecutive patients in a tertiary academic practice with cyclodialysis cleft confirmed by gonioscopy or ultrasound biomicroscopy and had received the combined procedure were reviewed. Primary outcomes included differences between the preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP). Secondary outcomes included complications and additional surgeries.

Six consecutive patients (eyes) from October 2006 to November 2012 (6 y) were enrolled. No patient had received prior laser or surgical treatment for cyclodialysis cleft. Patient's age ranged from 14 to 81 years (median=37 y). Follow-up ranged from 1 to 72 months (median=12 mo). The cyclodialysis clefts of 3 patients (50%) were caused by blunt injuries and the other 3 (50%) from complicated intraocular surgery. Preoperative BCVA ranged from 20/40 to counting fingers with mean IOP of 2.3±2.1 mm Hg (range, 0 to 6 mm Hg). Final postoperative BCVA ranged from 20/20 to hand motions with mean IOP of 11.3±5.7 mm Hg (range, 3 to 18 mm Hg). Five patients (83%) had an increase in IOP and recovery of vision to 20/50 or better at the final visit (including further surgeries). No complication was noted and no additional cyclopexy was required.

Combined ab externo cyclopexy with partial-thickness scleral flap dissection and suture reattachment of the ciliary muscle and cryopexy delivered on the partial-thickness scleral bed is safe and effective as primary surgical repair for cyclodialysis cleft.