DONATE NOWDiode Cyclophotocoagulation for Refractory Glaucoma
Doctors recommend Diode Cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) for patients with refractory glaucoma to reduce aqueous humor production and lower IOP by lasering the ciliary body’s secretory epithelium.
Why Would Your Doctor Recommend Cyclophotocoagulation For You?
Doctors recommend Cyclophotocoagulation for patients with refractory glaucoma who have persistent high eye pressure. Patients usually fail tube shunt procedures or trabeculectomies. Some patients retain minimal useful vision. Doctors may also use the procedure for patients with no visual potential who need pain relief.
Diode cyclophotocoagulation is an outpatient procedure. The patient receives a peribulbar block (anesthesia around the eye) prior to the laser. The laser, performed by your ophthalmic surgeon, takes 20 to 30 minutes and will require use of postoperative drops to decrease inflammation in the eye. Most patients have minimal postoperative pain. The procedure is often combined with injection of a pain killer (Chlorpromazine) behind the eye ball.
Since there are no incisions made into the eyeball there are usually no postoperative restrictions associated with the procedure. You will have a patch on the eye for the first 24 hours after the procedure and your doctor will want to see you the day following the procedure in the office to check your eye pressure.
CPC may be repeated if the desired eye pressure is not achieved.