* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of cyclocryotherapy and diode laser cyclophotocoagulation for the treatment of uncontrolled intraocular pressure.
* PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy consecutive patients (70 eyes) treated for high, unresponsive intraocular pressure during a 4-year period with cyclocryotherapy (n = 38) or diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (n = 32) with a follow-up period of at least 3 months (mean follow-up = 15.7 months) were compared for intraocular pressure, visual acuity, and complication rate.
* RESULTS: Mean intraocular pressure was reduced from 40.9 ± 11.9 to 20.5 ± 10.3 mm Hg in the cyclocryotherapy group, and from 35.9 ± 9.3 to 21.3 ± 10.7 mm Hg in the cyclophotocoagulation group. Intraocular pressure was controlled in 60.5% and 62.5% of eyes, respectively. Deterioration in visual acuity occurred in 31.5% of the cyclocryotherapy group and 37.5% of the cyclophotocoagulation group. Severe visual loss to no light perception was noted in 6 eyes and 2 eyes, respectively, and phthisis bulbi in 2 eyes in the cyclocryotherapy group (5.2%) and 1 eye in the cyclophotocoagulation group (3.1%).
* CONCLUSIONS: Cyclocryotherapy and diode laser cyclophotocoagulation are equally effective in decreasing intraocular pressure in patients with persistent uncontrolled glaucoma, with a lower rate of complications associated with diode laser cyclophotocoagulation.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2005,36:272279.]
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