The UK national cyclodiode laser survey

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate current practice of transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (cyclodiode) laser treatment among consultant ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom.MethodsA 31-question survey was emailed to all practising consultant ophthalmologists who were members of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. All non-responders were sent a postal version of the questionnaire. This paper looked at cyclodiode practice patterns and consisted of questions on demographic data, transillumination, and power settings, factors influencing practice, post-operative care, and repeat treatment. Results A total of 510 participants (53.6%) responded. A total of 180 (35.3%) responders reported performing cyclodiode laser treatment, of which 84 (46.7%) were glaucoma subspecialists (GSS). Initial median power settings used were 1500 mW and 2000 ms. The average number of applications delivered per sitting was 25.5±1.2 pplications for GSS vs 20.6±2.0 for non-GSS in a seeing eye (P=0.0013). In all, 65% routinely transilluminated the globe of which 78% were GSS and 52.3% were non-GS (P=0.0009). In all, 43% of the GSS vs 17% of the non-GSS lowered power settings in uveitic glaucoma (P=0.013). In blind eyes, 30% of the GSS vs12% of the non-GSS increased enery levels (P=0.0014). In all, 60% of the responders performed cyclodiode at any visual acuity, whereas 22% performed combined cyclodiode and cataract surgery.Conclusions This survey highlihts a wide variation in the use of cyclodiode laser treatment amongst GSS and non-GSS. However, the most frequently used practice may not be the optimal practice. A more individualised parameter according to the condition of the eyes may optimise the outcome. © 2011 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved.