Treatment of neovascular glaucoma by cyclophotocoagulation and retinal ablation

Objective To observe the clinical results of transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation and retinal ablation(panretinal photocoagulation or anterior retinal cryotherapy)for neovascular glaucoma.Methods 12 cases(12 eyes)of uncontrolled neovascular glaucoma were treated.8 eyes were treated by transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation and panretinal photocoagulation,4 eyes were treated by transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation and anterior retinal cryotherapy.All patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months(6～19 months).The intraocular pressure(IOP),visual acuity and neovascularization of the iris after 6 months of treatment were analyzed.Results Pre-cyclophotocoagulation IOP was 36mmHg～67mmHg(1mmHg=0.133kPa),averaged 45.52mmHg.6 months after treatment,6 eyes(50%)had IOP of 9～17mmHg without glaucoma medications,IOP were controlled lower than 21mmHg in 4 eyes(33.33%)and was higher than 21mmHg in 2 eyes with timolol eye drops.Iris neovascularization disappeared in 8 eyes and regressed partly in 4 eyes.Visual acuity decreased in 2 eyes,increased in 2 eyes and remained unchanged in 8 eyes.Conclusions The treatment of neovascular glaucoma by cyclophotocoagulation and retinal ablation can reduce IOP timely as well as reduce retinal ischemia,so effectively rescue the existing and potential visual acuity.