DONATE NOWDiode Cyclophotocoagulation for Refractory Glaucoma
Cyclophotocoagulation for glaucoma, also called Diode Cyclophotocoagulation (CPC), is a laser procedure used to help lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with refractory glaucoma. The procedure uses laser energy on the ciliary body to reduce aqueous humor production and help lower eye pressure. For additional information about cyclophotocoagulation and other cyclodestructive procedures, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeWiki.
By reducing the amount of fluid produced inside the eye, cyclophotocoagulation can help lower eye pressure and reduce the risk of further vision damage from glaucoma. The amount of treatment needed depends on several factors, including the patient’s eye pressure, glaucoma severity, previous treatments, remaining vision, and response to earlier glaucoma procedures or medications.
Who May Benefit From This Procedure?
Doctors recommend cyclophotocoagulation for patients with refractory glaucoma who have persistent high eye pressure. These patients may have previously undergone tube shunt surgery or trabeculectomy without achieving adequate eye pressure control. 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. Your ophthalmic surgeon performs the laser procedure in 20 to 30 minutes. Afterward, you will need postoperative drops to reduce inflammation in the eye. Most patients have minimal postoperative pain. Doctors often combine the procedure with an injection of the painkiller chlorpromazine behind the eyeball.
Because the procedure does not involve incisions in the eyeball, patients usually have no postoperative restrictions. 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.
Doctors may repeat CPC if the procedure does not achieve the desired eye pressure. Learn more about another approach to cyclophotocoagulation with Micropulse Laser Treatment for Glaucoma.