Safety And Efficacy Of Isolated Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation In Pseudophakic Patients With Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma-12-Month Follow-Up

Background: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) for eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: We included a total of 104 pseudophakic eyes treated with ECP. Visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP, mmHg) measurements were evaluated preoperatively and on days 1 and 7 and 2 and 12 months postoperatively. IOP <= 15 or >= 30% reduction from baseline were defined as therapeutic success. Results: The mean baseline IOP was 23.89 +/- 8.63, and it decreased significantly at the day 1 (16.25 +/- 7.32, p < 0.0001), day 7 (17.81 +/- 6.37, p < 0.0001), 2nd month (17.77 +/- 8.54, p < 0.0001) and 12th month (16.42 +/- 7.05, p < 0.0001) follow-up visits. Therapeutic success was achieved in 55 (61.80%) eyes at the 12-month follow-up. Patients with POAG duration longer than 10 years or those using alpha agonist eye drops had a lower rate of therapeutic success (odds ratio: 0.52, 95% CI = 0.32-0.85, p < 0.05 and odds ratio: 0.92, 95% CI = 0.55-0.95, p = 0.024, respectively). A longer disease course was associated with higher IOP values (Rs =+0.281; p = 0.024) postoperatively. The number of antiglaucoma medications decreased significantly from 2.55 +/- 1.16 to 2.11 +/- 1.14 (p = 0.003). The ECP complications included a minor IOP increase (9.37%), pupil irregularity (15.73%), and the presence of fibrin (3.29%). Conclusions: The ECP is an effective and safe option, especially in eyes with a shorter glaucoma course.