Ophthalmic laser microendoscope ciliary process ablation in the management of neovascular glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential efficacy of ophthalmic laser microendoscope photocoagulation of the ciliary processes in the management of intractable neovascular glaucoma.

METHODS

Ten patients with intractable neovascular glaucoma underwent ophthalmic laser microendoscope ciliary process ablation via a pars plana incision. The device and surgical technique are discussed.

RESULTS

Preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) ranged from 36 mmHg to 62 mmHg (mean, 43.6 mmHg). Postoperative final IOP ranged from 3 mmHg to 27 mmHg (mean, 15.3 mmHg). This represents an absolute decrease of 28.3 mmHg (65%). Postoperatively, 9 eyes had an IOP of less than 21 mmHg, although 3 of these eyes required medication. One eye attained a final IOP of 27 mmHg. All eyes were treated once. Nine patients were treated with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors preoperatively, and six patients were able to discontinue this medication postoperatively. Phthisis was not observed, but hypotony evolved in two eyes with chronic retinal detachment. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 11 months (mean, 8.8 months).

CONCLUSION

This new therapeutic modality, which combines endoscopic visualization of the ciliary processes with diode laser photocoagulation, can be effective in the management of intractable neovascular glaucoma.