Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation using a contact diode laser in secondary aphakic/pseudophakic glaucoma

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of contact transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CTCP) in eyes with secondary aphakic/pseudophakic glaucoma, ten seeing eyes and two painful blind eyes of 12 patients, suffering from refractory glaucoma, were treated using a diode laser (Oculight Slx). Success was defined as the achievement of an IOP greater than or equal to 5 mm Hg and less than or equal to 21 mm Hg in seeing eyes end as resolution of pain in blind eyes. Retreatment was required in 16,7% of patients. Success was achieved in 75% of the patients after the first treatment. With one or more additional treatments, the success rose to 83,3%. The early complications were of anterior uveitis and discomfort that settled rapidly with topical steroids and oral analgesia. Postoperative hyphema was presented in one patient (8,3%). One patient developed hypotony postoperatively (8,3%). At the last examination, visual acuity (VA) had significantly improved. Diode laser can be successfully employed for CTCP in refractory aphakicipseudophakic glaucoma with minor side effects and minimal discomfort.