One-Year Follow-up of Pars Plicata Versus Pars Plana Application of Transscleral Micropulse Cyclophotocoagulation.

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy and safety of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation applied at the level of the pars plicata transscleral micropulse cyclophotocoagulation (PLI-MPC) versus the pars plana transscleral micropulse cyclophotocoagulation (PLA-MPC).

METHODS

This prospective interventional case series included 44 eyes of 31 medically treated primary open-angle glaucoma patients scheduled for micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation to achieve further intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction. In total, 22 eyes underwent PLI-MPC and PLA-MPC each. Primary endpoints were the reduction of 24-hour mean diurnal IOP (mean of 6 measurements), diurnal IOP fluctuations, and peak IOP, after 3 and 12 months. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, a possible deterioration in visual acuity and field, factors influencing IOP reduction, and the number of dropouts.

RESULTS

In the PLI-MPC group, IOP was reduced from 15.9±3.4 mm Hg to 13.6±3.1 mm Hg (n=16; P<0.001) and 12.9±3.7 mm Hg (n=13; P<0.001) at 3 and 12-month follow-up. In the PLA-MPC group, IOP decreased from 16.4±3.5 mm Hg to 12.3±2.6 mm Hg (n=15; P<0.001) and 11.8±2.2 mm Hg (n=14; P<0.001), respectively. At 12 months, 59% of the PLI-MPC and 63% of the PLA-MPC group had a sufficient IOP reduction to reach the individual target pressure. No complications were seen in either group. A higher preoperative IOP was recognized as the only factor influencing the postoperative IOP reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

PLI-MPC and PLA-MPC seem to be safe and effective in further lowering the IOP in about 60% of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who did not reach target pressure despite maximally tolerated IOP-lowering medication. Although the IOP-lowering effect was not statistically significantly different between groups the pars plicata application was superior and easier to perform and should be recommended as the preferred method of application.