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

Abstract

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.

• Authors: Harish C Agarwal, Viney Gupta, Ramanjit Sihota
• Journal: Clinical & experimental ophthalmology (Clin Exp Ophthalmol) Vol. 32 Issue 1 Pg. 33-8 (Feb 2004) ISSN: 1442-6404 [Print] Australia
• PMID: 14746588 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Adult
• Ciliary Body (surgery)
• Female
• Glaucoma (surgery)
• Humans
• Intraocular Pressure
• Intraoperative Complications
• Laser Coagulation (methods)
• Male
• Postoperative Complications
• Prospective Studies
• Visual Acuity