Efficacy and safety of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in the treatment of refractory glaucoma: a prospective multicenter observational study

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) for refractory glaucoma.

A prospective multicenter observational case series study was conducted.A total of 63 refractory glaucoma patients (67 eyes) who underwent MP-TSCPC treatment were enrolled at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Chengdu First People’s Hospital (Chengdu Integrated TCM& Western Medicine Hospital), and Changsha Aier Eye Hospital from August 2022 to April 2023.Among these cases, there were 40 eyes (59.7%) with unreduced intraocular pressure (IOP) after glaucoma surgery, 4 eyes (6.0%) with secondary glaucoma after vitrectomy, 2 eyes (3.0%) with secondary glaucoma after keratoplasty, 8 eyes (11.9%) with neovascular glaucoma, 3 eyes (4.5%) with secondary glaucoma due to iridocorneal endothelial syndrome, 6 eyes (9.0%) with primary open-angle glaucoma and 4 eyes (6.0%) with primary angle-closure glaucoma.Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured using the ETDRS chart and the IOP was measured using the Goldmann applanation tonometry before and 6 months after the surgery.The usage of anti-glaucoma medications before and after surgery and postoperative complications were recorded.Surgical success rate was calculated and surgical success was defined as an IOP reduction of more than 20% from baseline or a reduction in the number of ocular hypotensive medications with no change in IOP.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (No.2022KYPJ225).Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.

There was a statistically significant overall difference in IOP at different time points before and after surgery (F=60.10, P<0.001), and the IOP at different time points after surgery was significantly lower than that before surgery, with statistically significant differences (all at P<0.001).IOP reduction at 6 months after surgery was (43.7±20.7)%.The number of anti-glaucoma medications used postoperatively was 2(0, 3) types, which was significantly less than the 3(2, 3) types used preoperatively (Z=-2.70, P=0.007).The 6-month postoperative BCVA (LogMAR) was 1.40(0.52, 2.70), which showed no significant change compared to the preoperative 1.40(0.70, 2.70) (Z=-0.10, P=0.952).The surgical success rate was 83.6%(56/67) at 6 months postoperatively.Postoperative complications included mydriasis (11/67), conjunctival hemorrhage (11/67), mild anterior chamber inflammation (1/67), mild ciliary body detachment (3/67), local choroidal detachment (1/67), and cystoid macular edema (1/67), all of which were reversible after treatment.

MP-TSCPC appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for refractory glaucoma.