title: The long-term effect of diode laser cyclodestruction on intraocular pressure.
abstract: We retrospectively reviewed the first 24 patients (26 eyes) who underwent ab externo diode laser cyclodestruction for refractory glaucoma and who had a follow-up of at least 10 months. We compared the intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of antiglaucomatous medications used pre- and postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 28 months (range 10 to 50 months). The mean IOP before and after treatment was respectively 30 +/- 12 mmHg and 22 +/- 12 mmHg (p < 0.05), a mean reduction of 29%. The average number of treatment sessions was 1.5 (range 1 to 5). An IOP < or = 21 mmHg was obtained in 65% of the cases; an IOP < or = 17 mmHg was achieved in 46% of the cases. The mean number of anti-glaucomatous medications used pre- and postoperatively was respectively 2.3 and 1.7 (p < 0.05). Only mild postoperative uveitis was observed; no eye developed phthisis bulbi. The study suggests that diode laser cyclodestruction is a safe procedure that can reduce the IOP in the long term in patients with refractory glaucoma.
authors: Dpt. of Ophthalmology, A.Z. Middelheim, Antwerp.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Callens
authors: K
authors: K
authors: D'Hondt
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Zeyen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity