A new technique for diode laser cyclophotocoagulation: short term results

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of a new technique for diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in refractory glaucoma. Methods A consecutive case series of 8 eyes of 7 Caucasian patients who underwent gonioprism assisted diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (GADC). GADC with a peripheral corneal approach is a new surgical technique that employs a manual gonioprism, iris hooks, ophthalmic operating microscope and an 810 nm laser diode probe usually utilized for retinal photocoagulation Results The mean follow‐up time was 5.9 months (range 3 to 11 months). Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) (±SD) was reduced from 24.5±4.3 mmHg to 11.25±1.7 mmHg. The mean number of IOP lowering eye drops (±SD) was reduced from 2.0±0.8 preoperatively to 0.8±0.5 postoperatively. The visual acuity remained unchanged in 7 of 8 eyes (87.5%) and deteriorated in 1 of 8 eyes (12.5%). Early complications included IOP spike in one patient. No major complications were encountered. No eyes required repeat cyclophotocoagulation. Conclusion Gonioprism assisted diode laser cyclophotocoagulation with peripheral corneal approach appears to be an effective and safe surgical treatment of refractory glaucoma and has the advantage of no requiring of new endoscopic devices.