Purpose of review: The complications and inadequate efficacy of prior cyclodestructive procedures limited their role in glaucoma management. Recent advances in treatment techniques and parameters for laser cyclophotocoagulation has expanded its role in today's glaucoma practice. In this review, we discuss the treatment outcomes of slow-coagulation continuous-wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CW-TSCPC) as a glaucoma surgical procedure for multiple types of glaucoma in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP).
Recent findings: Slow-coagulation TSCPC is a relatively new technique for CW-TSCPC that, unlike the 'pop' power titration technique of laser energy delivery, aims to avoid the production of the 'pop' sound that signals explosive inflammatory energy delivery to the ciliary body and nearby tissue. In slow-coagulation TSCPC, laser energy is applied in a fixed and lower amount over a longer duration, compared with the conventional pop technique. This laser energy approach leads to more stable, reliable, titratable, and selective ciliary body ablation for control of IOP, especially relative to the controversial current use of micropulse TSCPC.
Summary: Slow-coagulation CW-TSCPC can be used safely, efficiently, reproducibly, and efficaciously in wide range of glaucoma types including those with no history of incisional surgeries, good visual acuity, and medically refractory glaucomas.
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