ENDOSCOPIC DIODE-LASER CYCLOPHOTOCOAGULATION WITH A LIMBAL APPROACH

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic diode laser cyclophotocoagulation with a limbal approach was reviewed retrospectively. The delivery sys tem and procedure used as well as the role of this procedure in the ma nagement of glaucoma are discussed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An 810-nm pu lsed continuous-wave diode laser capable of 1.2-W output was used. The maximum treatment area is 7 to 8 clock hours with a single limbal inc ision. Generally, 800 mW were used for less than 1 second, for a total of 0.8 J per treatment. RESULTS: Eight eyes of 6 patients were treate d. The mean follow-up time for each procedure was 3.2 months (range 1 to 8 months) and for each eye was 5.1 months (range 2 to 8 months). Pr e- and postoperative intraocular pressures were determined. was the mo st common Postoperative inflammation complication. CONCLUSION: One rea son for the failure of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation, particularl y in congenital glaucoma, may be displacement of the ciliary processes . This displacement does not permit the indirect treatment to reach th e appropriate area. Because endoscopic laser cyclophotocoagulation all ows direct visualization, treatment can be accurately applied to indiv idual ciliary processes.