Results of micropulse cyclophotocoagulation in patients with early stages of primary open-angle glaucoma

PURPOSE. To evaluate the capabilities of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) in patients with early stages of glaucoma.METHODS. The study included 38 patients with early stages of primary open-angle glaucoma who underwent MP-TSCPC with SUPRA 810 (“Quantel Medical”, France) as primary surgical treatment. The follow-up period averaged 17±11 months (from 6 to 30 months). The Kaplan-Meier scale was used to assess the cumulative success of laser treatment.RESULTS. The postoperative period was uneventful. One month after MP-TSCPC a  significant hypotensive  effect was  observed,  averaging  41.5%  from  the  baseline.  After 6 months, the hypotensive effect continued to  persist  and averaged 36.1%. By 12 months, the hypotensive effect remained stable, IOP averaged 16.0±3.5 mm Hg, which was 31% from the baseline. No changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were detected during the observation period. Target intraocular pressure (IOP) was achieved in all cases. Optical coherence tomography and perimetry findings remained stable or improved.CONCLUSION. MP-TSCPC in patients  with  early  stages  of glaucoma leads to a pronounced stable hypotensive  effect during the follow-up period, averaging 31%  (from  20% to 50%). An improvement in the quality of life was noted due to the cease or reduction in the number of instillations. Monitoring of patients continues in order to develop practical recommendations for the indications and regimens of MP-TSCPC in the early stages of glaucoma.