Ultrasound Cyclo-Plasty in Patients with Glaucoma: 1-Year Results from a Multicentre Prospective Study

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound cyclo-plasty (UCP) for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma. Methods: This is a multicentre prospective study conducted in 3 Italian glaucoma centres. UCP was performed by EyeOP1, which delivers ultrasound beams using 6 piezoelectric transducers activated for 4/6 s (first generation) or 8 s (second generation). Primary outcomes were the mean IOP reduction and the rates of success after 1 year. Secondary outcomes were the mean IOP reduction at each follow-up, and the reduction of the number of hypotensive medications. Results: In total, 49 eyes from 47 patients were treated. One year postoperatively, the mean IOP had decreased from 27.7 ± 9.2 to 19.8 ± 6.9 mm Hg (p < 0.001), and the mean number of hypotensive drops and tablets had decreased from 3.2 and 0.5 to 2.3 and 0.2, respectively (p < 0.05). Postoperative IOP reduction was significantly related to preoperative IOP (r² = 0.5034; p < 0.0001). Second-generation probes determined a significantly higher IOP reduction (p < 0.05). Qualified success was achieved in 25 eyes (51.1%) and complete success in 21 (42.9%), while failure was recorded in 12 (24.5%). Conclusions: UCP is safe and effective for reducing IOP. The procedure determines a greater IOP reduction in patients with higher preoperative IOP. Second-generation probes improve outcomes without detrimental effects on safety.

A Comparative Study between Ultrasound Cycloplasty and Cyclocryotherapy for the Treatment of Neovascular Glaucoma

“…More importantly, doctors can adapt the treatment dose to minimize functional impairment and patients' suffering. e UCP treatment is characterized by a short treatment duration, a good safety profile, and ease in application [29]. However, during the treatment procedure, the following key details still need to be considered.…”

Influence of new treatment modalities on adherence in glaucoma

“…Mean IOP decreased from 27.7 AE 9.2 to 19.8 AE 6.9 mmHg (P < 0.001), and the mean number of hypotensive medication decreased from 3.2 to 2.3 simultaneously (P < 0.05) [33]. Qualified success rate was 51% and complete success rate was 43% [33]. Criteria of qualified success were IOP reduction to at least 20% and more than 5 mmHg without adjunctive hypotensive medication, whereas complete success was as above and IOP less than 21 mmHg [33].…”

“…A 'coupling cone' is placed in contact with the eye (available in three sizes: 11, 12, and 13 mm in diameter) and ultrasound energy is delivered by six piezoelectric transducers focused on the ciliary body [32]. Recently, a multicentre prospective study from Italy with a 1-year follow-up was published [33]. In total, 49 eyes from 47 patients were included [33].…”

“…Recently, a multicentre prospective study from Italy with a 1-year follow-up was published [33]. In total, 49 eyes from 47 patients were included [33]. Mean IOP decreased from 27.7 AE 9.2 to 19.8 AE 6.9 mmHg (P < 0.001), and the mean number of hypotensive medication decreased from 3.2 to 2.3 simultaneously (P < 0.05) [33].…”

“…In total, 49 eyes from 47 patients were included [33]. Mean IOP decreased from 27.7 AE 9.2 to 19.8 AE 6.9 mmHg (P < 0.001), and the mean number of hypotensive medication decreased from 3.2 to 2.3 simultaneously (P < 0.05) [33]. Qualified success rate was 51% and complete success rate was 43% [33].…”