Long-term efficacy and visual acuity following transscleral diode laser photocoagulation in cases of refractory and non-refractory glaucoma

Aims Transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) is widely accepted in the treatment of refractory glaucoma especially in eyes with poor vision. However, until recently, there has been a reluctance to extend its use to eyes with good visual acuity (VA). The aims of this study were to evaluate the long- term efficacy and safety of TSCP for a range of glaucoma conditions, with particular emphasis on post- treatment VA in seeing eyes. Methods A retrospective analysis of case notes of 74 treated eyes was conducted over a period of 4 - 30 months (mean 12.5 months). Results Mean (SD) intraocular pressure (IOP) was reduced by 43% from 40.3 (6.7) to 21.1mmHg (5.4) at the final index visit. Of all patients, 58% had a reduction in glaucoma drops and all discontinued oral Acetazolamide; 9% experienced complications. Mean VAwas preserved in the subgroups with good vision, although 3/ 23 (13%) patients with primary open- angle glaucoma (POAG) lost vision due to cataract and glaucoma progression. There were no cases of hypotony (IOP <= 5mmHg) or phthisis and only one eye required re- treatment. Conclusions TSCP is highly effective and safe for various types of glaucoma, and its use can be extended to eyes with good vision.