Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty in Patients with Open Angle Glaucoma and High Myopia

Ultrasound cyclo plasty (UCP) using high-intensity focused ultrasound is an effective and safe procedure in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma, even in those with high myopia.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of UCP in glaucoma patients with high myopia.

In this retrospective, single-center study, we enrolled 36 eyes divided into 2 groups based on axial length: group A (≥26.00 mm) and group B (<26.00 mm). We collected data about visual acuity, Goldmann applanation tonometry, biomicroscopy, and visual field before the procedure and at 1, 7, 30, 60, 90, 180, and 365 days after the procedure.

Mean IOP significantly decreased in both groups after treatment ( P <0.001). Mean IOP reduction from baseline to the last visit was 9.8±6.6 mmHg (38.7%) in group A and 9.6±6.3 mmHg (34.8%) in group B ( P <0.001). Mean IOP at the last visit was 15.8±4.1 mmHg in the myopic group and 18.1±5.6 mmHg in the non-myopic one. Regarding the number of IOP-lowering eyedrops being taken by our patients, statistically significant differences were found between groups A and B neither at baseline (2.8±0.9 and 2.6±1.0; P =0.568) nor 1 year after the procedure (2.5±1.1 and 2.6±1.1; P =0.762). No major complications occurred. All minor adverse events resolved within a few days.

UCP seems to be an effective and well-tolerated strategy to lower IOP in glaucoma patients with high myopia.