Efficacy and Safety of Micropulse Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation

Background: Early studies have shown that micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) might be an effective and safe treatment option for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). These studies were, however, somewhat limited, in particular by their retrospective nature and the length of follow-up. Therefore, we assessed the efficacy and safety of this novel treatment in a large cohort for up to 4 years. Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study, including all patients who were treated with MP-TSCPC since November 2017. The primary outcome was a reduction of IOP and the number of IOP-lowering medications. Results: The mean ± standard deviation baseline IOP and number of IOP-lowering medications were 26.6 ± 10.8 mmHg and 3.3 ± 1.3. IOP was reduced by 8.2 ± 7.9 (31.8% reduction), 6.9 ± 8.7 (28.1% reduction), and 7.1 ± 8.4 (30.2% reduction) mmHg after 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean postoperative number of IOP-lowering medications was significantly reduced after 6 months by 0.6 ± 1.5 (p = 0.002) but was not significantly different after 12 or 24 months. Oral acetazolamide was significantly reduced from 28 (29%) eyes before treatment, to 9 (9%) at the last follow-up visit (p < 0.001). No major complications were observed after treatment. Conclusions: MP-TSCPC is a safe and effective treatment option for lowering IOP, but only reduced IOP-lowering medications in the first 6 months after treatment. However, MP-TSCPC is especially effective in getting patients off oral IOP-lowering drugs.