[Use of a diode laser for glaucoma in children and adolescents].

OBJECTIVE

To present the results of the use of diode laser in the treatment of secondary glaucoma in children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was performed on 15 eyes in 14 children (7 males and 7 females) with glaucoma resistant to pharmacotherapy. Transscleral contact cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) was performed using SLx diode laser (Iris Medical Instrument). The number of photocoagulations performed within the circumference of 270 degrees ranged from 18 to 30 and the energy depended on "pop sound".

RESULTS

In one child visual acuity decreased from 0.5/50 to light perception, while in the remaining children it did not change. Prior to coagulation, the mean intraocular pressure was 37.67 +/- 3.2 mm Hg, and 6 months after coagulation it was 22 +/- 3.74 mm Hg.

CONCLUSIONS

TSPC is a well tolerated method of treatment in children with pharmacotherapy-resistant glaucoma. In order to assess the late outcomes of the therapy, prolonged observation of the patients is required.