Slow-Coagulation Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation in Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Surgical Interventions

Background:

• Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) presents unique challenges in intraocular pressure (IOP) management.
• Medically uncontrolled PXG often requires advanced therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy and safety of slow-coagulation transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (SC-TSCPC) for pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG).

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, single-center study evaluated 48 eyes of patients with medically uncontrolled PXG.
• SC-TSCPC involved 1250-milliwatt power and 4-second duration.
• Surgical success was defined by IOP between 6-21 mmHg with a ≥20% reduction, without further glaucoma surgery or vision-threatening complications.

Main Results:

• Qualified success rates for single SC-TSCPC were 58.3% at 1 year and 47.9% at 2 years.
• Mean IOP decreased from 29.2 mmHg to 14.3 mmHg (P <0.001), with reduced medication use.
• Complications included decreased visual acuity (18.8%), iridocyclitis (10.4%), and hyphema (10.4%).

Conclusions:

• SC-TSCPC is an effective, safe, and repeatable treatment option for PXG.
• The procedure demonstrates significant IOP reduction and medication decrease.
• Further prospective studies are recommended to validate these outcomes.