DONATE NOWWhat Is Endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP)?
Endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) is a laser procedure used to help lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in people with glaucoma. During ECP, a surgeon uses a small camera and laser probe to treat the ciliary processes inside the eye, reducing the production of aqueous humor and helping lower eye pressure. ECP is often performed together with cataract surgery.
After completing cataract surgery, the surgeon inserts a special 20-gauge probe into the eye through the same incision. The probe contains a camera and fiber-optic cables that deliver the laser energy. Your surgeon will observe the internal structures of your eye on a TV monitor and will direct the laser energy to the ciliary processes under direct visualization. The surgeon adjusts the energy to blanch the processes and treats about 270 to 360 degrees around the eye for maximal effect.
After the procedure, your doctor will place an eye patch over your eye for the first 24 hours. The next morning, your doctor will remove the patch, examine your eye, and check your eye pressure. Your doctor will prescribe a regimen of postoperative drops for the following four to six weeks.
If the procedure is successful, you can expect lower intraocular pressure, and your doctor may be able to reduce some of your glaucoma medications. The laser procedure’s outcome becomes clear in about 6 to 8 weeks.
