Endocyclophotodestruction in Glaucoma Patients Undergoing Combined Surgery of Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Phacoemulsification

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this trail was to assess the effect of a novel intraoperative endocyclophotodestruction method on intraocular pressure in patients undergoing combined procedure of phacovitrectomy to determine the efficacy of this combined surgical approach. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study sample included 87 subjects divided into 2 groups: Group I consisted of 52 patients who underwent intraoperative endocyclophotodestruction performed during phacovitrectomy. Group II consisted of 35 controls. The follow-up duration was 12 months. The preoperative (baseline) intraocular pressure (IOP) was determined and later assessed postoperatively at the following time points: on 1 day and at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months. Other evaluated parameters were the number of topical antiglaucoma medications, and the cyclophotodestruction circumference-to-outflow resistance ratio (R). RESULTS: The mean postoperative reduction of intraocular pressure was by 4.26 mmHg at 6 months and by 4.91 mmHg at 12 months. The number of topical antiglaucoma medications was reduced postoperatively from the mean preoperative value of 1.66 to 0.69 at 6 months and 1.04 at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The results show a significant reduction of intraocular pressure in patients undergoing the combined triple-procedure surgery and postoperative decrease in the number of topical medications. The best outcomes in terms of IOP decrease and reduced number of medications were achieved in patients with low outflow coefficient. Endocyclophotodestruction is an alternative IOP-reducing technique to be used in patients with glaucoma who require phacovitrectomy. It is recommended for patients with low outflow coefficient in whom posterior pole abnormalities constitute the main indications for surgery.