First and second transscleral cyclophotocoagulation treatments provide similar intraocular pressure-lowering efficacy in patients with refractory glaucoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to address the safety and effectiveness of a second continuous-wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CW-TSCPC) treatment by comparing its outcome against a first CW-TSCPC treatment in the same patients with refractory glaucoma.

METHODS

Twenty-one eyes with either primary or secondary glaucoma received a second CW-TSCPC laser session ≥ 3 months after the first treatment. Intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and number of topical or oral ophthalmic pressure-reducing medications were registered at every time point up to the last follow-up at 3 months. A complete slit-lamp examination was conducted to record for complications or other abnormal ocular findings. Success was defined as IOP between 6 and 21 mmHg and > 20% reduction in IOP with or without anti-glaucoma medications.

RESULTS

At 3 months follow-up of the first CW-TSCPC treatment, a 24.8% decrease in IOP was observed, whereas a 45.6% IOP decrease was observed 3 months post the second CW-TSCPC treatment. Visual acuity did not decrease, and no major complications were observed post either treatment within the follow-up period. Time to failure was 79.5 ± 24.6 and 77.1 ± 29.4, respectively (P = 0.955). No serious complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

A second CW-TSCPC treatment proved to be a safe and effective treatment option when the first CW-TSCPC treatment was insufficient in maintaining the desired IOP level for a prolonged time (mean time between both sessions 6.4 ± 8.0 months).