Clinical outcomes of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in refractory glaucoma-18 months follow-up

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (mTSCPC) in cases of refractory glaucoma. Patients with refractory glaucoma were selected to undergo mTSCPC, using the MP3 handpiece from Iridex Laser Systems. Follow-up examinations occurred on a regular basis for 18 months after the procedure. One hundred eyes of 97 patients were treated. Mean pre-laser intraocular pressure (IOP) was 39.14 +/- 13.84 mmHg. This was reduced significantly to 22.77.8 +/- 10.48 mmHg (41.82% reduction;p < 0.001) at week 1. At months 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 the IOP mean was 23.81 +/- 9.44, 24.27 +/- 9.17, 23.09 +/- 8.47, 22.76 +/- 8.14, and 22.77 +/- 8.13 mmHg. The success rate at 18 months was the highest 90.91% for the group with IOP below 26 mmHg and the lowest 70.00% for the IOP group 26-30 mmHg. The mean number of anti-glaucoma drops decreased from 2.63 +/- 0.87 to 1.78 +/- 0.95. The number of treatments performed was 1.26. The pain felt during the procedure was reported as being moderate. No major postoperative complications were noted. Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation is a non-invasive, repeatable laser procedure that offers both good and stable results in lowering IOP and decreases the use of antiglaucoma medications for up to 18 months.