PURPOSE: To report long-term experience with cyclophotocoagulation using diode laser in refractory glaucomas. METHODS: We selected cases of refractory glaucoma with indication for cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) with diode laser using a G probe (Iris Medical). All procedures were performed by the same surgeon: twenty applications of 2000 mW power at 270- degree extension. The probe placed set at 1.5 mm from the limbus during 2.0 a 2.5 s. Only cases with at least 6 months of follow-up were included. The procedure was considered successful when IOP was < 24 mmHg or decrease was larger or equal to 30% of the initial IOP with remission of symptoms. Only 25 patients (18.75%) concluded the study (36 months). RESULTS: One hundred and thirty cases had a mean follow-up of 18,1 ± 9,6 months with 116 (87.2%) successful cases and 17 (12,7%) insuccess ful cases. Initial and final IOP were, 48.20 ± 12.11mmHg and 19.93 ± 11,93mmHg respectively (p < 0.0001). Main complications were: "Phthisis bulbi" in 7 (5.2%) cases and long-term hypotony in 6 (4.5%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the severity of our cases, we conclude that the long-term results of cyclophotocoagulation with diode laser for refractory glaucomas were satisfactory, with an acceptable incidence of complications.
Photocoagulation; Light coagulation; Sclera; Glaucoma; Treatment outcome
