[Results after cyclodiathermy: report on 29 eyes].

BACKGROUND

Persisting angle-closure glaucomas with circular anterior synechia and lost anterior chamber are at the moment an unsolved therapeutical problem. Antiglaucomatous anterior cyclodiathermy is a last therapeutical option to serve the eye.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We retrospectively examined the results and the complications of 29 eyes, which were consecutively treated with anterior cyclodiathermy between 1992 and 1998.

RESULTS

We found a significant decrease of the intraocular pressure (IOP) during mean follow-up of 10 month, reduction of antiglaucoma medication, no change of visual acuity and no severe complications (no phthisis bulbi, no severe intraocular hemorrhage, no sympathetic ophthalmia).

CONCLUSION

Anterior cyclodiathermy is a successful treatment for selected patients with severe forms of glaucoma, if other operation techniques and antiglaucoma medication fail to decrease the IOP.