[Results of cyclocryocoagulation].

BACKGROUND

The success of a cyclocryocogulation is not only defined by the reduction of the intraocular pressure but also by the simplification of the therapy necessary for the regulation of the glaucoma.

PATIENTS

We examined retrospectively the charts of 27 patients with glaucoma chronicum simplex (GCS) and 63 patients with various types of non-simplex glaucomas (NGCS). All underwent a cyclocryocoagulation made 51 seconds at -70 to -80 degrees C, 4 mm behind the limbus at 6 points.

RESULTS

IOP was controlled (i.e. < 25 mm Hg and decreased > 20% of the preoperative value) in 69% of the cases (GCS 70%, NGCS 68%) 3-5 days after the operation. IOP decreased from 31 to 19 mm Hg on average. The effect decreased with time, more than 12 months after the operation only 36% of the eyes were still regulated. 4 eyes with persisting pain had to be enucleated. The cyclocryocoagulation never caused blindness or phthisis bulbi. Therapy with eye drops was necessary in 70% of the patients preoperatively, and in 37% postoperatively. Oral carboanhydrase inhibitors had to be used in 57% of the patients before and in 20% of the cases after the operation.

CONCLUSION

Cyclocryocoagulation is considered an effective method to lower IOP and simplify drug therapy without having serious complications.