Diode Laser Cyclophotocoagulation in the Management of Pain and Intraocular Pressure Control in Patients with Terminal Glaucoma—Six Years’ Experience

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to describe the experience with diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in the control of intraocular pressure and resolution of pain in patients with refractory glaucoma. Methods: Retrospective study. 64 eyes of 60 patients who underwent cyclophotocoagulation between January 2008 and March 2014. Evaluation of the pre- and post-operative intraocular pressure, the control of ocular pain, the number of anti-glaucoma drugs used in pre- and post-intervention, the rate of complications and the success rate. Results: There was an overall success rate of 81.3%, with 9 eyes needing a second intervention. There was a mean reduction of 52.6% of the preoperative mean intraocular pressure of 41.25 to 19.56 mmHg at 12 months observation (p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant reduction in the number of anti-glaucoma drugs used from 3.19 to 2.01 per eye and the resolution of pain in 75% of patients. Conclusions: cyclophotocoagulation is an effective procedure, with an expected positive impact on quality of life of patients as a result from the decreased number of anti-glaucoma drugs, sustained intraocular pressure reduction and resolution of pain.