Efficacy of transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in patients with good visual acuity.

PURPOSE: To study the effect on central vision of transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (TSDLC) for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with visual acuity (VA) better than 6/18.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was conducted of patients undergoing cyclophotocoagulation between 2000 and 2008. Patients who underwent TSDLC with VA of 6/18 or better and at least 24 months follow-up were included. Primary outcome was decrease of 2 or more lines at 24 months. Secondary outcome was IOP control with or without treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 46 eyes of 44 patients were included with VA ranging from 6/18 to 6/5 (median VA 6/12). Mean IOP was 24 mm Hg (range 12-35). A mean of 1.3 treatments were given per eye, with 12 eyes (26%) requiring retreatment. At 24 months, the median VA was 6/18 (range light perception-6/5). Eighteen eyes (39.1%) retained the same VA, 35 eyes (76.1%) retained VA of 6/18 or better, in 7 eyes (19.4%) VA was <6/60. Loss of ≥2 lines was recorded in 11 eyes (23.9%), and loss of 1 line in 13 eyes (28.3%). Mean IOP at 24 months was 17.2 mm Hg (range 12-28). Thirty-nine (84.8%) patients had IOP ≤21 mm Hg.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests a role of TSDLC as an effective, safe, and rapid method of treatment in patients with good vision over a 24-month period. The loss of VA in some patients is similar to previously reported studies in patients having cyclodiode, trabeculectomy, or tube surgery.