Pupillary distortion and staphyloma following trans-scleral contact diode laser cyclophotocoagulation: a clinicopathological study of three patients.

PURPOSE: To search for the cause of scleral thinning and pupillary distortion following trans-scleral contact diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (TCDLC).

METHODS

We reviewed the records of 3 patients in whom there were complications of scleral thinning and pupillary distortion following TCDLC. One of the eyes was later enucleated, and we present the histopathological findings. Using the histopathological features in this patient, we discuss the possible pathogenesis of the scleral thinning and pupillary distortion.

RESULTS

Case 1 is a 46-year-old white woman who following TCDLC in an area of clinically normal sclera developed a staphyloma. Case 2 is a 52-year-old white woman who following TCDLC in an area of scarred sclera developed mild thinning. Case 3 is an 85-year-old white man who following TCDLC developed pupillary distortion, and gonioscopy revealed damage to the peripheral iris. Histological examination of case 1 revealed the staphyloma covered by a thin layer of conjunctival epithelium, collagen and vitreous condensation. We also observed cicatricial cilary body contraction causing distortion of the pupil and lens.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapeutic TCDLC can produce scarring of the iris root, anterior chamber angle, draining structures and ciliary body, and may result in pupillary distortion. Pre-existing scleral scars may predispose to scleral damage following TCDLC. We discuss a simple strategy to avoid this complication of TCDLC.