Abstract
Aim: To determine the efficacy and safety profile of Diode laser cycloablation in treatment of patients with refractory glaucoma.
Methods: This retrospective observational study included 57 eyes of 57 patients with refractory glaucoma treated between December 2016 and September 2019 at Eye Department, Jinnah Hospital Lahore. Laser was applied at 1.5 mm posterior to limbus for the duration of 2 second with power between 1500- 2000 mw. The power was titrated until the researcher heard a popping sound and then decreased to just below that level. Decision on area to be lased depends on preoperative IOP. Burns were applied to 90-degree, 180 degree and 360 degree for IOP range from 21-25mmHg, 25-35mm Hg and more than 35mm Hg respectively. Follow up was done on 1st day,1st week and 1st month. Retreatment was done only in those cases where IOP was >= 21mmHg after 1st month.
Results: The mean pre-operative IOP was 38.61 +/- 7.51 mmHg. The mean post-operative IOP at 1 day, 1 week and 1 month was 14.10 +/- 6.26 mmHg, 14.36 +/- 5.97 mmHg and 14.24 +/- 5.27 mmHg. Complications observed were anterior segment inflammation, pain and hyphema. None of the patient reported with hypotony or cataract.
Conclusion: Transscleral diode laser cycloablation is a reliable and well-tolerated procedure that significantly decreases the intraocular pressure with few complications.