Contact transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation for refractory glaucoma

We undertook a study to evaluate contact transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (CTCP) for refractory glaucoma and to assess the response to CTCP treatment with variable area of treatment based on pre-laser intraocular pressure. Clinical Diode Laser System was used to treat 29 eyes of 29 consecutive patients with refractory glaucoma and was carried out over 180 degrees, 270 degrees or 360 degrees based on the pre-laser intraocular pressure (IOP). IOP decreased from baseline mean of 41.07 +/- 13.08 mm Hg to 22.79 +/- 9.95 mm Hg (p < 0.0005). Control IOP of less than or equal to 21 mm Hg was obtained in 18 of the 29 eyes (62.07%). The increase in the area treated based on the pre-laser IOP directly correlated with an increase in the reduction of IOP in the 180 degrees and 360 degrees groups. Diode laser is an effective, simple and our protocol of varying the dose of laser treatment based on pre-laser IOP is encouraging.