Intermediary inflammatory reaction after micropulse cyclophotocoagulation diode therapy: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Of the many types of laser cyclophotocoagulation procedures, micropulse cyclophotocoagulation diode is praised as a noninvasive, safe, and effective procedure with few complications. In this case report, we describe a rare complication that, to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously reported. CASE REPORT: We report on the case of a 66-year-old African man with a history of end-stage primary open-angle glaucoma. One week after undergoing micropulse cyclophotocoagulation diode therapy in both eyes, he developed severe intermediary inflammation in one eye, associated with decreased visual acuity. The intraocular pressure had significantly decreased after the procedure and was well controlled with intraocular-pressure-lowering medications. Slit lamp examination revealed a moderate anterior chamber inflammation, anterior vitritis, and a large inflammatory membrane attached to the posterior surface of the intraocular implant. A vitrectomy was finally performed in the left eye because of the persistent intermediary inflammation despite the use of high doses of topical and subconjunctival corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: Intermediary uveitis is a rare complication after micropulse cyclophotocoagulation diode therapy. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of vitritis after a noncomplicated micropulse cyclophotocoagulation diode in primary open-angle glaucoma.