Safety and efficacy of subliminal cyclophotocoagulation in the treatment of glaucoma

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of subliminal cyclophotocoagulation in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in all subtypes of glaucoma and to study any associated complications of the procedure.

Methods: This was a prospective interventional study conducted on patients with glaucoma on medical therapy requiring > 3 topical medications. Twenty‐seven patients underwent subliminal cyclophotocoagulation with Vitra 810 laser machine (Quantel Medicals, France). The primary outcome measures were IOP control, postoperative complications, and a reduction in the number of antiglaucoma medications (AGM).

Results: 27 eyes were analysed, of which 26 had 6 months follow‐up. Intraocular pressure reduced from 22 mmHg (18,28) at baseline to 16(14,18) at 6 months post‐procedure. The number of anti‐glaucoma medications reduced from 3 (2,3) to 2 (1,3) at 6 months. The reduction in atleast one glaucoma medication was achieved in 61.5% of eyes at 6 months. Most complications, like mydriasis and drop in vision, were transient and self‐limited. Significant complications like vitreous, vitreous hemorrhage and choroidal detachment were seen in 3 patients. The cumulative success rate at 6 months was found to be 84.61%.

Conclusions: Subliminal cyclophotocoagulation is effective in glaucoma patients with IOP control on maximum topical medications. It can reduce the drug burden by at least one medication in the short term.

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