Cyclodiode laser therapy for painful, blind glaucomatous eyes

Long-Term Results of Transscleral Diode Laser Cyclophotocoagulation in Glaucoma: A Real-Life Study

PRCIS

Transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (TDLC) is effective and safe in a large population and different types of glaucoma but is least effective in the neovascular glaucoma (NVG) group.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of TDLC in a large cohort of patients with different types of refractory glaucoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using patient charts, we retrospectively analyzed the success and complications of TDLC performed on eyes categorized into 6 groups: primary glaucoma (116 eyes), trauma (41 eyes), NVG (84 eyes), post-vitreoretinal surgery (post-VRS, 79 eyes), penetrating keratoplasty (47 eyes), and miscellaneous (40 eyes). Failure was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) >22 mm Hg or <5 mm Hg, the need for further glaucoma surgery, and the loss of light perception during follow-up.

RESULTS

Overall, the mean follow-up time was 33.4 ± 17.4 months, the mean total energy delivered was 109.2 ± 56.5 J, and the mean IOP reduction rate was 41.8%. Total energy delivered and IOP reduction rates were similar between the groups (all P > 0.05). The probability of success at 36 months was 71.5%, 70.7%, 55.9%, 77.2%, 72.3%, and 72.5% in primary glaucoma, trauma, NVG, post-VRS, penetrating keratoplasty, and miscellaneous groups, respectively. The NVG group showed a significantly lower success rate ( P = 0.009) than the other groups. Significant complications consisted of phthisis bulbi in 1 eye (0.2%) in the NVG group and chronic hypotony in 7 eyes (1.7%) in the NVG (3 eyes), trauma (2 eyes), post-VRS (1 eye), and primary glaucoma (1 eye) groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although TDLC was found to be a safe, effective method in the long term, it was least effective in eyes with NVG.

Painful-blind eye: A forgotten palliative care

Painful-blind eye (PBE) is a challenging and debilitating condition that greatly affects the quality of life of patients. Although PBE can result from a variety of etiologies, currently there is no guideline or consensus on how to approach therapeutically these patients, and most treatments are experience-based. We summarized the evidence from available studies to investigate the current state of PBE treatment strategies. This review revealed that the information available about therapeutic approaches in patients with PBE is insufficient and outdated, therefore, new experimental and larger studies are needed to reach an agreement about this condition.

Micropulse diode laser therapy in refractory glaucoma

Purpose

Description of safety and efficacy of micropulse Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation as a treatment option for refractory glaucoma.

Methods

This is a prospective study including 39 eyes of 31 patients followed for refractory glaucoma, who benefited from transscleral cyclophotocoagulation using a microplused laser. The main indication for the procedure was increased ocular pressure refractory to quadritherapy in various types of glaucoma. The patients were treated using iridex Cyclo G6 laser with a Micropulse P3 infrared probe with a wavelength of 810 ​nm. The parameters for the procedure were a duration of 90 ​s per hemisphere with a power of 2000 mW and an energy of 180 ​J. Both the upper and lower hemispheres were treated in the same procedure, sparing the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock meridians, and all the patients benefited from a single treatment session. The following parameters were evaluated: ocular pain and overall tolerance; visual acuity; and the evolution of IOP postoperatively up to 9 months.

Results

The glaucoma subtypes treated are as follows: primary open-angle glaucoma (n ​= ​05), chronic angle-closure glaucoma (n ​= ​13), neovascular glaucoma (n ​= ​07), aphakic glaucoma (n ​= ​06), malignant glaucoma (n ​= ​04), post-traumatic angle recession (n ​= ​02), and inflammatory glaucoma (n ​= ​02). The mean pre-operative intraocular pressure was 42.3 ​± ​5.2 ​mmHg and the mean post-operative intraocular pressure at 9 months was 16.9 ​± ​1.9 ​mmHg. The reduction in IOP was 49.9%. The average number of intraocular pressure-lowering medications used prior to surgery was four, and the average number of medications used at the 9-month post-operative visit was 2.0 ​± ​1.2 (70.3% of patients were on dual therapy). The overall success rate was 60.5%.

Conclusions

Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation appears to be a safe and efficient treatment for refractory glaucoma. Its indications should therefore be broadened and proposed early in various situations.

Severe Corneal Melt Post Trans-Scleral Cyclodiode in a Case of Neovascular Glaucoma Secondary to Coats Disease: A Case Report

A novel case of neurotrophic keratitis and severe corneal melt requiring surgical management is presented 1 month following trans-scleral cyclodiode for Coats disease and neovascular glaucoma. Risk factors contributing to the complication include previous extracapsular cataract surgery, perioperative use of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and dexamethasone/neomycin, as well as other topical drops containing preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride. Meticulous consideration of preoptimization of the ocular surface and rationalization of perioperative eye drop regimes is discussed.

Surgical Outcomes of the Ahmed Valve Implantation Following Trans-scleral Cyclophotocoagulation

Purpose: To determine the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effect and complications of Ahmed valve implantation (AGV) in patients who underwent cyclophotocoagulation (CPC).Methods: Patients who underwent AGV after CPC in group 1, those who underwent CPC after AGV in group 2, and patients who underwent repeated CPC in group 3 were included in this retrospective observational study. Changes in IOP, number of glaucoma eye drops, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were analyzed before and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery, and postoperative complications were analyzed.Results: Eight patients in group 1, 10 patients in group 2, and seven patients in group 3 were included in the analysis. Preoperative IOP was 45.6 ± 15.5, 29.3 ± 5.6, and 43.4 ± 14.4 mmHg in the three groups, respectively, and the number of glaucoma eye drops was 3.8 ± 0.7, 3.9 ± 0.3, and 3.7 ± 1.0 in the three groups, respectively. At 12 months postoperatively, IOP decreased significantly in all three groups compared to preoperatively (all p < 0.05), and the number of glaucoma eye drops was also significantly reduced (all p < 0.05). Among patients with preoperative BCVA of 0.02 decimal or higher, postoperative BCVA decreased in two patients in group 2 and one in group 3 (p = 0.380). Hypotony occurred in one patient in group 1 and two patients in group 3 (p = 0.383), and among them, one patient in group 1 and one patient in group 3 progressed to the phthisis (p = 0.940).Conclusions: In patients whose IOP cannot be controlled after CPC, AGV is expected to be used as a relatively safe and effective treatment method for lowering IOP.

An update on continuous-wave cyclophotocoagulation (CW-CPC) and micropulse transscleral laser treatment (MP-TLT) for adult and paediatric refractory glaucoma

PURPOSE

Continuous-wave cyclophotocoagulation (CW-CPC) is often preferred to medical and surgical treatments for managing refractory glaucoma. This review summarizes diode CW-CPC indications, history, histopathology, methods, efficacy and safety. It also provides an overview of the latest data available on micropulse transscleral laser treatment (MP-TLT) that uses repetitive micropulses of diode laser energy in an off-and-on cyclical fashion.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted on transscleral CW-CPC (CW-TSCPC), endoscopic CPC (ECP) and MP-TLT. Relevant series of adult and paediatric patients were included for assessing the procedures.

RESULTS

Regarding CW-TCPC, highly variable success rates are reported in the literature, depending on the definition of success, type of underlying glaucoma, energy settings, follow-up duration and retreatment rates. CW-CPC often needs to be repeated, especially in paediatric patients. CW-CPC exposes to risks of inflammation and chronic ocular hypotony or phthisis with irreversible visual loss. CW-TSCPC has mainly been used in very severe forms of glaucoma, in painful eyes with limited visual potential or after filtering surgery failure. Published data on ECP are more limited but overall good success rates have been reported. Through the direct visualization of the targeted ciliary body in anatomically abnormal eyes, ECP is the preferred surgical procedure in paediatric refractory glaucoma. Complication rates are relatively low after ECP; however, large studies with long-term follow-up are needed. ECP may be used in difficult, refractory cases, but it is often used earlier when combined with cataract surgery. Despite limited data on the exact mechanism of action of MP-TLT and a lack of standardization of laser settings, the first data from heterogeneous case series shows that it has a similar efficacy and a better safety profile compared to CW-TSCPC in the medium term.

CONCLUSION

Although they may lead to sight-threatening complications, both CW-TSCPC and ECP seem effective. ECP appears to be superior to CW-TSCPC in paediatric refractory glaucoma. Unlike ECP combined with cataract surgery, evidence supporting a wider use of CW-TSCPC and MP-TLT in earlier stages of neuropathy is lacking. While it now appears that the safety profile of MP-TLT is superior to that of CW-CPC, robust prospective comparative studies including homogeneous and well-defined cohorts of patients are still needed to confirm an at least comparable efficacy in the long term.

Two-year efficacy after first transscleral controlled cyclophotocoagulation in patients with and without pseudoexfoliation

Purpose

Transscleral controlled cyclophotocoagulation (COCO) is a transscleral 810-nm diode laser cyclophotocoagulation that automatically adjusts the applied laser energy utilizing an optical feedback loop. The present study investigates the influence of pseudoexfoliation (PEX) on the efficacy of COCO in a Caucasian study population.

Methods

Retrospective data from 130 consecutive eyes were analyzed during a 2-year follow-up. Baseline characteristics, intraocular pressure (IOP), number of IOP-lowering medications, visual field, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and secondary surgical interventions (SSI) were analyzed. The primary endpoint was IOP reduction at M24 compared to baseline, and the secondary endpoints were IOP course, reduction of IOP-lowering medications, surgical success, and IOP-lowering SSIs stratified by PEX and baseline IOP.

Results

IOP reductions of −35, −39, −25, −25, −23, −34, and −36% could be achieved from baseline to D1, W1, M1, M3, M6, M12, and M24 (all p < 0.001), respectively, while there was a significant overall reduction over time (p < 0.001) in the number of topical IOP-lowering medications postoperatively. The proportion of eyes requiring additional systemic IOP-lowering medication reduced from 31 to 0% at M24 (p = 0.025). Eyes without PEX and IOP < 30 mmHg at baseline had the lowest risk for IOP-lowering SSIs (p < 0.03). BCVA dropped at M12 (0.25 [95% CI: 0.12–0.38]), and the drop persisted during the following 12 months.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates a midterm IOP-lowering effect after COCO while reducing the burden for topical and systemic IOP-lowering medications. Patients without PEX and IOP < 30 mmHg have a lower risk of SSI. The procedure per se cannot be excluded as causative for the decreased postoperative BCVA. Further prospective investigations are suggested.

Sympathetic ophthalmia with incidental finding of chicken pox supported by histopathology and immunohistochemistry

Sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) is a rare bilateral diffuse granulomatous panuveitis that occurs in few days to several years after penetrating injury. This intraocular inflammation can occur in any age group without a sex predilection. Pathology and immunohistochemistry-supported evidence is important to know the disease in a better way. We present a case of a 24-year-old female with clinical diagnosis of SO with an atypical past history of chicken pox in that eye and residual corneal opacity.

Early results of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for the treatment of glaucoma

PURPOSE

To describe our clinical experience with the efficacy and safety of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation as a treatment for glaucoma.

METHODS

In this retrospective case series, we reviewed the charts of 95 consecutive patients with various glaucoma subtypes who underwent micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation. Patients were offered micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation if they had perimetric glaucoma refractory to intraocular pressure-lowering topical medications and who were poor candidates for traditional filtering surgery. Eligible patients were treated with the Micropulse P3 device (IQ 810 Laser Systems; Iridex, Mountain View, CA, USA) at 2.0-2.5 W for a duration of 90 s per hemisphere at a 31.3% duty cycle. If a retreatment was needed, the power was increased to up to 3.0 W with other parameters remaining the same. Patients were considered successfully treated if their intraocular pressure was lowered by at least 20% compared to their baseline. The main outcome measure was post-operative intraocular pressure; secondary outcome measures included the number of adverse events and complications that occurred with treatment.

RESULTS

The glaucoma subtypes treated included primary open-angle glaucoma (n = 51), exfoliation glaucoma (n = 24), chronic angle-closure glaucoma (n = 15), and congenital/juvenile glaucoma (n = 5). The mean pre-operative intraocular pressure was 25.1 ± 5.3 mm Hg and the mean post-operative intraocular pressure at 12 months was 17.5 ± 5.1 mm Hg (p = 0.004). The mean number of intraocular pressure-lowering medications used preoperatively was 3.0 ± 1.1; the mean number of medications used at the 12-month post-operative visit was 1.4 ± 1.0 (p = 0.03). Success with one treatment was achieved in 73 (76.8%) of patients. With multiple treatments, all patients had significant intraocular pressure-lowering compared to baseline. The maximum number of treatments received by any single patient was 5. There were no instances of prolonged intraocular inflammation or long-term hypotony.

CONCLUSION

Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation appears to be a safe and efficacious treatment for glaucoma. Given its improved safety profile compared to continuous-wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation, it deserves consideration as a primary procedure.

Cyclodestructive procedures for refractory glaucoma

BACKGROUND

Cyclodestructive procedures are often used in patients with refractory glaucoma who have failed to achieve lower intraocular pressure (IOP) from filtration procedures and maximal medical therapy. Destruction of the ciliary body helps to lower IOP by reducing aqueous humor formation. Of the many types of cyclodestructive procedures, laser cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) has become the most common surgical method for reducing aqueous inflow. Options for CPC are wide-ranging: they can be performed using a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) or diode laser and laser energy can be delivered by either the contact or non-contact method. Another cyclodestructive procedure is endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP), which the ophthalmologist can use selectively to target the ciliary epithelium and ablate ciliary body tissue. There is debate regarding which cyclodestructive method is best and how they compare to other glaucoma surgeries.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the relative effectiveness and safety of cyclodestructive procedures compared with other procedures in people with refractory glaucoma of any type and to assess the relative effectiveness and safety of individual cyclodestructive procedures compared with each other.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2018, Issue 9); Ovid MEDLINE; Embase.com; PubMed; LILACS BIREME; ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP. The date of the search was 21 September 2018.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials or quasi-randomized trials in which participants underwent a secondary procedure for refractory glaucoma. We included trials with any laser type, route of administration, and laser settings. The primary comparison was any cyclodestructive procedure versus another glaucoma treatment, and the secondary comparisons were individual cyclodestructive procedures versus another cyclodestructive procedure.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently reviewed the titles and abstracts from the database searches, and after retrieving the full-text reports of those that were potentially relevant, classified the full-text articles as included or excluded. Two review authors independently extracted data from the included studies and assessed the risk of bias. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion or by consultation with a third review author when necessary.

MAIN RESULTS

We included five trials reporting data for 330 eyes (326 participants). One study to had a low risk of bias for most domains and the other studies had an overall unclear risk of bias. This review includes four different comparisons: 1) ECP versus Ahmed implant, 2) micropulse CPC versus continuous-wave CPC; 3) CPC with a diode versus Nd:YAG laser; and 4) CPC with an Nd:YAG laser emitting 8J versus 4J.No study reported data for our primary outcome, change from baseline in pain severity as reported by the participant or change in number of pain medications.For our primary comparison, we included one trial that compared ECP with the Ahmed implant. At 12-month follow-up, the mean difference (MD) in IOPs between groups was -1.14 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI) -4.21 to 1.93; 58 participants; low-certainty evidence (LCE)). At 24 months postintervention, we found very LCE suggesting that visual acuity may be better among participants in the ECP group than in the Ahmed implant group (MD -0.24 logMAR, 95% CI -0.52 to 0.04; 54 participants), and the difference in the mean number of glaucoma medications used by participants in each group was unclear (MD -0.50, 95% CI -1.17 to 0.17; 54 participants; very LCE). Reported adverse events in the ECP group (34 participants) were one case each of hypotony, phthisis bulbi, retinal detachment, and choroidal detachment; in the Ahmed implant group (34 participants) there was one case of endophthalmitis, two cases of retinal detachment, and six cases of choroidal detachment.Three types of comparisons from four included studies provided data for our secondary comparisons. In the study that compared micropulse with continuous-wave CPC, median IOP was reported to be similar between the two groups at all time points. At 18 months postintervention, the median number of IOP-lowering medications was reduced from two to one in both groups. One participant in the micropulse and two in the continuous group exhibited worsened visual acuity. One case of prolonged inflammation was seen in the micropulse group (23 participants). Seven cases of prolonged inflammation, five cases of hypotony, and one case of phthisis bulbi were seen in the continuous group (23 participants).Two studies compared CPC using a semiconductor diode versus an Nd:YAG laser. At 12 months postintervention, the MD in IOP was 1.02 mmHg (95% CI -1.49 to 3.53) in one study (LCE). The second study did not report mean IOP beyond three months of follow-up. Neither study reported the mean change in best-corrected visual acuity or number of glaucoma medications. Both studies reported hypotony as an adverse event in three participants in each study.One study compared different energy settings of the same Nd:YAG laser. At 12-month follow-up, visual acuity was unchanged or improved in 21 of 33 participants in the 8J group and 20 of 27 participants in the 4J group (risk ratio 0.86, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.21; very LCE). More participants in the 8J group reduced the number of medications taken compared with the 4J group (RR 1.49, 95% CI 0.76 to 2.91; 50 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The presence of fibrin or hyphema were seen in five participants who received 8J and none who received 4J. There was a severe anterior chamber reaction in 11 of 26 (42%) participants who received 8J of energy and 2 of 21 (10%) participants who received 4J of energy.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from five studies included in this review was inconclusive as to whether cyclodestructive procedures for refractory glaucoma result in better outcomes and fewer complications than other glaucoma treatments, and whether one type of cyclodestructive procedure is better than another. The most commonly reported adverse events across all five studies were hypotony and phthisis bulbi. Large, well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed. Patient-reported outcomes such as pain and quality of life should be considered as primary outcomes or important secondary outcomes of future trials.

Current management of glaucoma

Glaucoma is an irreversible progressive optic neuropathy, for which the major proven treatment is to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP). Five groups of IOP-lowering eye drops have varying mechanisms of action. Some drops, such as β-blockers and α-2 agonists, have potentially serious systemic side effects. Acetazolamide is the only available oral agent; it is effective at lowering IOP, but significant side effects relegate its use usually to refractory glaucoma. Two new eye drops, netarsudil and latanoprostene bunod, have recently been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Both have novel IOP-lowering mechanisms and target the conventional aqueous outflow system. Selective laser trabeculoplasty is a gentle treatment that enhances conventional aqueous outflow. It may be used as an initial treatment, as a substitute for eye drops, or to delay glaucoma drainage surgery. Recent advancements in glaucoma surgery have seen an influx of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery devices, which are being used more frequently and earlier on in the treatment paradigm. As limited long term data are available, trabeculectomy remains the gold standard IOP-lowering procedure. Improvements in drug delivery are on the horizon. Drug-eluting devices and implants are able to deliver the drug closer to the receptors for an extended period of time. This will improve treatment adherence and efficacy, which are major limitations with current medical therapy.

Lasers in glaucoma

While lasers have been used for many years for the treatment of glaucoma, proper indications and use of the procedures need to be considered before their application. This review summarizes the important laser procedures in Glaucoma.

Transscleral Diode Laser Cyclophotocoagulation: A Comparison of Slow Coagulation and Standard Coagulation Techniques

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes of standard pop-titrated transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) and slow-coagulation TSCPC in the treatment of glaucoma.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SUBJECTS

This study included 78 eyes with glaucoma of any type or stage that underwent TSCPC as part of their treatment course.

METHODS

This study compared 52 eyes treated with slow coagulation TSCPC to 26 eyes treated with standard pop-titrated TSCPC. Patient demographics, treatment course, surgical techniques, settings and outcomes were assessed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome measures were visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and post-surgical complications.

RESULTS

The initial LogMAR VA was 1.94 (0.73) [mean (SD)] in the slow coagulation TSCPC group and 1.71 (0.90) in the standard TSCPC group (p=0.507). Initial IOP was 37 (13) mm Hg in the slow coagulation group and 39 (13) mm Hg in the standard group (p=0.297). The follow-up periods were 16.36 months and 24.68 months for the slow coagulation and standard groups (p=0.124). VA remained better than light-perception in 71.1% of slow coagulation treated patients and 65.0% of standard TSCPC treated patients (p=0.599). IOP remained below 20 mm Hg in 46% of slow coagulation treated patients and 44% of standard TSCPC treated patients (p=0.870). The mean number of complications was higher in the standard group [1.46 (1.24)] versus the slow coagulation group [0.62 (0.75)] (p=0.002). The incidence of the need for a second procedure (slow coagulation- 28.8%, standard- 23.1%, p=0.588) and maximum number of medications needed to control IOP postoperatively (p=0.771) were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this case series, slow coagulation TSCPC and standard pop-titrated TSCPC resulted in similar VA and IOP outcomes in the treatment of glaucomatous eyes. The complication profiles of the techniques were also comparable, although standard TSCPC had a higher incidence of prolonged inflammation postoperatively. This study suggests that slow coagulation TSCPC may achieve equivalent control of IOP while reducing the incidence of prolonged post-operative inflammation-a feared complication of TSCPC-when compared to standard "pop-titrated" TSCPC.

Efficacy of Care for Blind Painful Eyes

PURPOSE

Pain relief for a blind painful eye often follows an escalating paradigm of interventions. This study compares the efficacy of common interventions.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of blind painful eye cases was conducted at a single tertiary institution from April 2012 to December 2016. Demographics, etiology, treatment, and pain level were assessed.

RESULTS

Among 99 blind painful eyes, 96 eyes initially received medical therapy (topical steroids, cycloplegics, and/or hypotensives), with pain relief in 39% of eyes. Minimally invasive interventions (laser cyclophotocoagulation, retrobulbar injection, or corneal electrocautery) were performed 41 times in 36 eyes, 34 of which had failed medical therapy, and led to pain relief in 75% of eyes. Evisceration or enucleation was performed in 28 eyes, and long-term pain relief was achieved in 100% of eyes. Surgery allowed discontinuation of oral analgesics in 100% of cases versus 20% for minimally invasive therapy (p = 0.005) and 14% for medical therapy (p = 0.0001). Compared with medical therapy, minimally invasive therapy was 2.5 times more likely to achieve lasting pain relief (p = 0.003) and surgical therapy 35.6 times more likely to achieve lasting pain relief (p = 0.011). High initial pain score was associated with nonsurgical treatment failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical therapy provides pain relief in a moderate number of patients with a blind painful eye. When medical therapy fails, minimally invasive therapy and surgical interventions are successively more effective in relieving ocular pain. High initial pain score is a risk factor for nonsurgical therapy failure and may merit an earlier discussion of surgical intervention.

The outcome of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for the management of acute angle closure

PURPOSE

To investigate the outcome of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TCP) in the treatment of acute angle closure (AAC) refractory to medical treatment.

METHODS

This is a retrospective interventional case series. The inclusion criteria include patients diagnosed with AAC who had TCP. Pre-TCP and post-TCP intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, and AAC treatment were analyzed. The complications and the results of subsequent treatments including lens extraction if performed were also assessed.

RESULTS

Thirteen eyes (13 patients) met the study criteria. The median time to TCP from presentation was 5 days (range 3-30 days). The mean presenting IOP was 56 ± 6 mm Hg (range 48-70 mm Hg) and the medically treated mean IOP before TCP was 40 ± 5 mm Hg (range 34-52 mm Hg). All patients (100%) responded to TCP. The mean post-TCP IOP at day 1 and months 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 were 19, 23, 19, 19, 18, and 17 mm Hg. There was 1 case of hyphema post-TCP. Lens extraction ± goniosynechialysis was performed in 10 patients (77%) from 1 month post-TCP onwards. The mean IOP prior to lens extraction was 26 mm Hg (range 19-32 mm Hg). The mean IOP 3 months after lens extraction was 15 mm Hg (range 8-19 mm Hg). The mean number of topical IOP-lowering medications 12 months post-TCP was 1.1.

CONCLUSIONS

Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation is effective and safe in reducing IOP in patients with AAC refractory to medical and laser peripheral iridotomy treatments. We advocate that TCP should be considered early in the management of AAC refractory to medical treatment to avoid irreversible optic neuropathy.

Cyclophotocoagulation-induced sympathetic ophthalmia in a Coats' disease patient supported by histopathology and immunohistochemistry

We describe a case of a 13-year-old male patient of Coats' disease who developed sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) following contact diode laser cyclophotocoagulation. There was no history of invasive surgery or any perforating injuries preceding cyclodestructive therapy. The eye had neovascular glaucoma secondary to Coats' disease, which was treated once with contact cyclophotocoagulation. Subsequently, the intraocular pressure slowly decreased, and the eye became phthisical. Intraocular inflammation developed in the fellow eye and SO was suspected, which was confirmed by characteristic findings seen on fluorescein angiography. The case was successfully managed with the help of topical and systemic immunosuppression. Enucleation with silicone ball implantation was performed in the right phthisical eye and specimen was sent for histopathological examination. Histopathology and immunostaining supported the diagnosis of SO.

Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in refractory acute and chronic angle closure glaucoma

Angle closure glaucoma, both acute and chronic, is a major cause of blindness worldwide. Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) is conventionally undertaken non-urgently in patients with advanced glaucoma and poor visual potential with poor control of intraocular pressure (IOP). We describe a case of a patient with refractory acute angle closure glaucoma and severe pain in whom emergency TSCP was undertaken 12 h after presentation, reducing the IOP from 68 to 10 mm Hg. Further, a patient with chronic angle closure glaucoma underwent TSCP, reducing the IOP from 78 to 14 mm Hg. Both patients consequently underwent uneventful phacoemulsification cataract surgery with preservation of visual acuity and long-term IOP control. TSCP may achieve prompt IOP control and symptomatic relief in the acute setting in patients with acute and chronic forms of angle closure glaucoma refractory to medical therapy. TSCP may reduce the risk of definitive surgical intervention by temporising phacoemulsification or trabeculectomy surgery until the IOP is well controlled.

Sympathetic ophthalmia following diode laser cyclophotocoagulation

BACKGROUND

Sympathetic ophthalmia is a rare form of bilateral uveitis that develops following an ocular penetrating injury to one eye. Several cases of sympathetic ophthalmia have been reported after non-penetrating cyclodestructive procedures including Nd:YAG and diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) but information on inciting factors and outcome is limited. In this case series we investigated the inciting factors, clinical features, course and outcome of six patients who developed sympathetic ophthalmia after diode CPC.

METHODS

Six patients who developed sympathetic ophthalmia after diode CPC were identified from the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital uveitis database between 2008 and 2013. The medical records of these patients were reviewed for demographic information, ocular history, diode laser parameters, clinical presentation, treatment and outcome.

RESULTS

Six patients were diagnosed with sympathetic ophthalmia following treatment with diode laser CPC, an incidence of 0.001% during the study period. Two patients had a history of accidental trauma and all patients had undergone at least one ocular surgery that included a variety of procedures. At presentation, two patients had predominantly posterior segment findings in the sympathising eye, one patient had only anterior segment findings and the rest had panuveitis. All patients were treated with topical and systemic corticosteroids and/or immunosupressive therapy that resulted in complete resolution of inflammation and return to baseline vision in the sympathising eye within 2-48 months of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Sympathetic ophthalmia after diode CPC is rare and is seen in patients with a history of intraocular surgery with or without previous trauma. Early recognition of sympathetic ophthalmia and aggressive management with immunosuppressive therapy results in good outcomes for these patients.

Update on results and complications of cyclophotocoagulation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review highlights recently published studies on transscleral and endoscopic diode cyclophotocoagulation (TCP, ECP) and summarizes the treatment results and complications.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although both TCP and ECP are efficacious procedures for the treatment of refractory glaucoma, no consensus exists for optimum treatment protocol. TCP has mainly been used as a last-resort treatment for intractable glaucoma with very limited visual potential. Repeated treatment is often required. Serious complications include vision loss, hypotony, and phthisis. High treatment energy per session and underlying abnormality seem risk factors for these complications. Recent growing numbers of investigations are giving promising results for TCP as a primary surgery in eyes with good vision. Although ECP came later into clinical use for glaucoma treatment, it is becoming more accepted and no longer reserved for end-stage cases. ECP is most commonly performed in conjunction with cataract surgery and shows overall good success with relatively low complication rates. Serious complications include hypotony, phthisis, cystoid macular edema, and retinal detachment.

SUMMARY

Recent literatures suggest that both TCP and ECP are performed increasingly as the primary surgery for various types and stages of glaucoma. Both treatments are effective procedures, although potential for serious complications exists.

Influence of naloxone and methysergide on the analgesic effects of low-level laser in an experimental pain model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Although the mechanism of action of laser phototherapy (LPT) is not known, it is a promising analgesic method. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the action of LPT depends on the activation of peripheral opioid or serotonergic receptors.

METHOD

Inflammatory pain was induced through the injection of carrageenin in the left posterior paw of male Wistar rats. The InGaAIP visible laser diode (660 nm) with fluency of 2.5 J*cm(-2) was used. Von Frey filaments were used to analyze mechanical hyperalgesia. Animals were separated into five groups: Carrageenin; Laser (LPT); Non-coherent light; LPT + Naloxone; and LPT + Methysergide.

RESULTS

Low-Level Laser phototherapy proved to be an effective analgesic method, while non-coherent light did not show a similar effect. The use of naloxone blocked the analgesic effect of LPT, while methysergide did not affect LPT-induced analgesia.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the parameter used in this study, LPT produced analgesia. Analgesia induced by laser phototherapy is mediated by peripheral opioid receptors. Laser phototherapy does not seem to interact with peripheral serotonergic receptors.

Glaucoma surgery

Glaucoma is a potentially blinding condition that cannot be easily defined. There are various types of glaucoma which may vary in symptoms from none at all to sudden pain and redness. There is a characteristic optic neuropathy, or damage to the optic nerve, which results in progressive loss of visual field. The most important risk factor is an increase in the intraocular pressure (IOP) secondary to a reduction in the drainage of aqueous fluid from the drainage pathways in the eye, the filtration angle (Kanski 2007, Allingham et al 2011).

Combined diode laser cyclophotocoagulation and intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) in neovascular glaucoma

BACKGROUND

Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin) in eyes with neovascular glaucoma (NVG) has recently been shown to induce rapid regression of anterior segment neovascularization and has promise as adjunct treatment to diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) to control intraocular pressure (IOP). This study presents the outcome of concomitant treatment with CPC and intravitreal bevacizumab in painful poor visual potential eyes in a case series of consecutively diagnosed NVG.

METHODS

Twelve patients (14 eyes) were treated with CPC and concurrent intravitreal bevacizumab 0.05 mL (1.25 mg) and study end-points were IOP lowering, regression of anterior segment neovascularization and resolution of pain.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative IOP was 42.1 11.4 and was lowered to 16.6 7.1 mmHg at 1-month postoperatively. Anterior segment neovascularization regressed dramatically within 1 week of intravitreal bevacizumab in 12 eyes. Thirteen eyes reported persistent relief of ocular pain at 6 months following treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined intravitreal bevacizumab and CPC treatment for NVG provides rapid control of anterior segment neovascularization and may lead to improved symptomatic relief and IOP control.

Transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in a patient with ocular cicatricial pemphigoid

The authors present a case of secondary glaucoma associated with silicone oil in a patient with ocular cicatricial pemphigoid successfully managed with transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation. Six months following treatment, the patient remained satisfied and free of pain, with an intraocular pressure of 24 mm Hg without topical drops or oral acetazolamide. There was no evidence of exacerbation of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid and no adjustment was required to the patient's immunosuppressive therapy. This case suggests that transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation may be safely used to control raised intraocular pressure in patients with ocular cicatricial pemphigoid without causing an exacerbation of the condition.

Diode laser cycloablation in adult glaucoma: long-term results of a standard protocol and review of current literature

BACKGROUND

To study the long-term efficacy and safety of diode laser cycloablation under a standard protocol in refractory glaucoma.

METHODS

A retrospective study involving 42 eyes (39 patients), observed for 36-84 (mean 65.7) months after cycloablation involving 14 burns of 2-W power and 2-s duration, over 270 degrees of the ciliary body.

RESULTS

By final review, mean intraocular pressure (IOP) had dropped by 50.3% from 31.4 +/- 8.8 mmHg before treatment to 15.6 +/- 6.3 mmHg (P < 0.0001). Thirty-seven of the 42 eyes (88.1%) achieved IOP < 22 mmHg. Thirty-five of the 42 eyes (83.3%) eyes achieved IOP reduction > or = 30% from baseline levels. The mean number of antiglaucoma medications per eye dropped from 2.55 +/- 0.83 to 1.71 +/- 1.44 (P = 0.0004). The percentage of eyes requiring oral acetazolamide dropped from 92.9% to 11.9% (P < 0.0001). About 59.6% of eyes required multiple treatment sessions (mean 2.17). Twenty-seven (64.3%) eyes suffered deterioration, 11 (26.2%) maintained stability and 4 (9.5%) exhibited improvement of visual acuity. No relationship between the number of treatment sessions and visual outcome was evident.

CONCLUSIONS

This conservative repeatable protocol affords delivery of the minimum dose of photocoagulation necessary to achieve a safe, long-term ocular hypotensive response, while minimizing the risk of serious adverse effects, and is valuable in the difficult treatment of refractory glaucoma.

Evaluation of contact versus non-contact diode laser cyclophotocoagulation for refractory glaucomas using similar energy settings

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of contact and non-contact techniques of diode transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) in patients with refractory glaucoma in a prospective randomized manner.

METHODS

Sixty eyes with refractory glaucoma were randomly treated with either the contact or non-contact technique of diode TSCPC and followed up for a minimum of 12 months. A standard protocol of 1500 mW for 2 s per spot, with 40 spots over the entire 360 degrees circumference was followed for all eyes in both groups.

RESULTS

The reduction of mean baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) from 44.5 +/- 7.4 mmHg to 14.8 +/- 1.8 mmHg with the contact mode was not significantly different from that in the non-contact mode of 41.9 +/- 8.8 mmHg reduced to 14.5 +/- 1.5 mmHg (P = 0.34). The probability of IOP survival (<22 mmHg) at 1 year using the Kaplan-Meier plot was better using the contact mode, although the results did not achieve statistical significance. However, the average repeat treatments per eye with the non-contact mode (1.6 +/- 0.7) was significantly higher than with the contact method (1.2 +/- 0.6; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Using an energy setting of 3 J per spot, both the contact and non-contact methods of laser delivery were found to be equally effective in lowering IOP in eyes with refractory glaucoma.