A Retrospective Study of Transcleral Cyclophotocoagulation Using the Slow Coagulation Technique for the Treatment of Refractory Glaucoma.

Purpose: To compare the success rates and safety of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) for the treatment of refractory glaucoma using the slow coagulation technique and the conventional technique.

Methods

A retrospective, interventional case series of 44 patients (44 eyes) who underwent TSCPC using the slow coagulation technique (22 eyes) and conventional technique (22 eyes) in a tertiary hospital was done. The main outcome measures were success and complications. Success was defined as a final intraocular pressure (IOP) between 6 and 21 mmHg with or without IOP lowering medications with the cessation of oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor at 12 months.

Results

Preoperative characteristics were statistically similar with regard to age, sex, laterality, diagnosis, IOP, and the number of glaucoma medications used. Both procedures had similar success rates of 40.9% and 36.3% in the conventional technique group and slow coagulation group, respectively (p = .757). The slow coagulation group had less prolonged anterior chamber inflammation (p = .048).

Conclusions

Diode laser TSCPC using the slow coagulation technique is a safe and effective technique for lowering IOP in patients with refractory glaucoma in Chinese eyes.