Longterm follow-up of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in the treatment of refractory glaucoma.

PURPOSE: This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (TDLCP) in advanced refractory glaucoma. METHODS: A total of 124 eyes in 121 patients with advanced glaucoma refractory to medical treatment were treated consecutively with TDLCP. Success was defined as final intraocular pressure (IOP) of 5-21 mmHg in eyes with visual acuity (VA) of more than hand movements (HM) and relief of pain in eyes with VA of HM or less, including blind eyes. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 65.6 +/- 17.1 years (range 14-91 years). Mean follow-up was 17 +/- 14.6 months (range 3-42 months). Mean pretreatment IOP was 29.9 +/- 8.4 mmHg (range 17-58 mmHg) and IOP at last follow-up was 20.8 +/- 8 mmHg (range 6-45 mmHg) (p < 0.001). The number of laser applications (mean 9.2 +/- 2.8, range 4-15) and maximal laser power (mean 2.01 +/- 0.22 mW, range 1.3-3.0 mW) were not associated with lower postoperative IOP. Intraocular pressure of < or = 21 mmHg was recorded in 63.0% of eyes at the last follow-up visit. Overall, 28 (21.7%) eyes required at least one retreatment. No phthisis bulbi or persistent hypotonia developed. CONCLUSIONS: TDLCP is an effective and safe method for the treatment of advanced refractory glaucoma, although repeated treatments are often necessary.