Cyclocryotherapy as an alternative treatment for primary glaucoma.

Cyclocryotherapy was used as an alternative treatment for primary glaucoma in a series of 56 patients, both with narrow and open angle. In this prospective study treatment was successful in 87.7% of the cases (Peak I.O.P. < or = 20 mm Hg) with a mean follow up period of 10.1 months. Mean intraocular tension decreased from 29.7 mm Hg preoperatively down to 17.25 mm Hg postoperatively. About 60% of the eyes, however, needed an additional local treatment. Postoperative complications were rare and mild. A conjunctival congestion, and a mild self limiting iridocyclitis, were the most frequent ones. Long term efficacy was evaluated retrospectively (21 eyes with primary glaucoma; mean follow up period: 51 months). 58.3% were still controlled today, the majority of them requiring local medication. A further deterioration of visual field, however, had been noticed in 26.6% of these "obviously normotensive eyes". Because of its good efficacy and its lack of severe complications as opposed to trabeculectomy cyclocryotherapy is suggested as a first choice treatment in primary glaucoma.