Comparison of the efficacy of micropulse diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation using different energy protocols

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of laser treatment settings of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation treatment in glaucoma patients and to evaluate the relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and different treatment parameters. A total of 74 eyes in 64 glaucoma patients with IOP over 21 mmHg or under 20 mmHg with visual field progression who underwent micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation treatment were included. Patients were divided into success and failure groups based on criteria of 20% IOP reduction rate. The predictive factors of IOP reduction between success and failure groups and the IOP reduction rates in the different treatment duration groups were evaluated. Predictive factors for IOP reduction were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression models. Patients in the success group had significantly higher baseline IOP (median: 28.0 vs. 23.0 mmHg; P = 0.016) and longer treatment times (median: 240 vs. 160 s; P = 0.001). Treatment duration range between 200 and 240 s achieved significantly higher intraocular pressure reduction rates (47.8 ± 17.4%) than durations under 140 s (23.1 ± 14.2%). Univariate analysis showed that baseline IOP and treatment duration were significant contributing factors in IOP reduction. Multivariable analysis further demonstrated that treatment duration over 200 s was the significant predictive factor for IOP reduction. Treatment duration settings were the most significant factor of IOP reduction rates in micropulse cyclophotocoagulation. Customized therapy according to the target IOP reduction rate can be applied with different treatment duration settings to achieve optimal outcomes.