Treatment Advances and Updates

Advances in Glaucoma Treatment

Transscleral Diode Laser Cyclophotocoagulation is a glaucoma treatment that decreases eye pressure by direct thermal disruption of the epithelium of the ciliary body processes (the area responsible for secreting fluid in the eye). Through this controlled damage, aqueous humor secretion is decreased and intraocular pressure is reduced. In the past, because of the risk profile, indication for the procedure were thought to be limited to blind painful eyes. However, in more recent years, titration of the power and duration of the diode laser has lead to a decrease in this potential risk.

Dr. Hansen has experience in performing this procedure with these lower settings and has found success in patients with severe glaucoma but good central vision. Thus, reducing their eye pressure, decreasing their reliance on topical glaucoma drops, and preventing future glaucoma damage. This approach to treatment with lower laser power and increased duration of treatment were confirmed to have the same efficacy as previously used laser settings with a decreased complication profile in a recently published study by the Journal “Ophthalmology-Glaucoma” published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Ophthalmology Glaucoma 2018;1:115-122).https://www.ophthalmologyglaucoma.org/