The UK National Cyclodiode Laser Survey.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate current practice of transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (cyclodiode) laser treatment among consultant ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom.


METHODS
A 31-question survey was emailed to all practising consultant ophthalmologists who were members of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. All non-responders were sent a postal version of the questionnaire. This paper looked at cyclodiode practice patterns and consisted of questions on demographic data, transillumination, and power settings, factors influencing practice, post-operative care, and repeat treatment.


RESULTS
A total of 510 participants (53.6%) responded. A total of 180 (35.3%) responders reported performing cyclodiode laser treatment, of which 84 (46.7%) were glaucoma subspecialists (GSS). Initial median power settings used were 1500 mW and 2000 ms. The average number of applications delivered per sitting was 25.5 ± 1.2 applications for GSS vs 20.6 ± 2.0 for non-GSS in a seeing eye (P = 0.0013). In all, 65% routinely transilluminated the globe of which 78% were GSS and 52.3% were non-GSS (P = 0.0009). In all, 43% of the GSS vs 17% of the non-GSS lowered power settings in uveitic glaucoma (P = 0.013). In blind eyes, 30% of the GSS vs 12% of the non-GSS increased energy levels (P = 0.0014). In all, 60% of the responders performed cyclodiode at any visual acuity, whereas 22% performed combined cyclodiode and cataract surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
This survey highlights a wide variation in the use of cyclodiode laser treatment amongst GSS and non-GSS. However, the most frequently used practice may not be the optimal practice. A more individualised parameter according to the condition of the eyes may optimise the outcome.
Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, West Birmingham and Sandwell NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK.
P
P
Agrawal
S
S
Dulku
W
W
Nolan
V
V
Sung
D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000601:surgery*; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000601:surgery*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000379:methods*; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor; D011182:Postoperative Care; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom