Evaluation of repeated micropulse cyclophotocoagulation in patients with refractory glaucoma

PURPOSE. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of repeated micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) in patients with previously operated refractory glaucoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. We examined 89 patients aged 74.2±7.3 years with moderate (16), advanced (58) and terminal (15) stages of uncompensated primary openangle glaucoma (POAG) before and within 12 months after the first MP-TSCPC (SUPRA 810, “Quantel Medical”, France) using standard laser parameters — 100 J. Indications for repeated MP-TSCPC were determined for 23 patients in 3 (1 patient), 6 (14 patients), 9 (8 patients) months after the first procedure. Repeated MP-TSCPC was carried out with higher impact energy — 125 J.

RESULTS. After the first procedure, the hypotensive effect was achieved in 66 (74.2%) patients with refractory glaucoma lasting up to 12 months of follow-up. Repeated MP-TSCPC in 23 patients reduced the IOP by 31.2% in moderate, 31.8% in advanced, and 22.9% in terminal stages (p<0.05) by 6 months of follow-up. As a result, during 12 months of observation, MP-TSCPC (single and double) led to stabilization of the IOP in 83.1% of cases.

CONCLUSION. Single and repeated micropulse TSCPC with laser energies of 100 J and 125 J is an effective and safe method of treating patients with refractory glaucoma. A single MP-TSCPC with laser energy of 100 J was effective in 66 (74.2%) patients by 12 months of observation, and single followed by repeated (laser energy of 125 J) — in 74 (83.1%) patients. It is possible to revise the basic parameters of the MP-TSCPC procedure from 100 to 125 J to achieve a longer and at the same time safe hypotensive effect in patients with refractory glaucoma.

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