[An experimental study of cyclocryocautery and its application on glaucoma patients]

Cyclocryocautery of different time duration was done on 52 rabbit eyes with the Syncron Optikon CO2 cryocoagulator. Postoperative studies of the ciliary body by light and electron microscopy and enzymatic histochemical analysis at various intervals revealed morphologic and metabolic changes in the epithelial cells that resulted in diminished aqueous humor formation and lowered intraocular pressure. 50 cases of glaucoma patients (54 eyes) were treated with cyclocryotherapy and followed up over 6 months, with a success rate of 72% in the advanced refractory patients and the pain was relieved in 85%. 8 of the ineffective eyes were performed additional cyclocryotherapy under a scleral flap, with good results in 5 eyes.