Use of micropulse trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation for acute rise in intraocular pressure due to anterior segment inflammation

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to report the use of micropulse trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation as an adjunct therapy for two cases of medically uncontrolled intraocular pressure spikes due to anterior segment inflammation. Case description: Case 1 had previous cataract surgery and exhibited an intraocular pressure spike due to phacoantigenic uveitis (right eye intraocular pressure = 52 mmHg). Despite medical treatment, the right eye intraocular pressure remained high (43 mmHg), thus micropulse trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation was carried out as a rescue therapy. After micropulse trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation, the intraocular pressure at 1 day and 3 weeks was 9 and 16 mmHg, respectively. Case 2 had a history of previous blunt ocular trauma and 180° of angle recession. Both eyes were pseudophakia and underwent right eye Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy for posterior capsular opacification. Immediately after the procedure, the right eye intraocular pressure increased to 64 mmHg. Due to poor response to medical therapy, rescue micropulse trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation was performed. After micropulse trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation, the intraocular pressure at 1 day and 2 months was 12 and 21 mmHg, respectively. Conclusion Micropulse trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation successfully decreased intraocular pressure in both cases of acute rise in intraocular pressure. Micropulse trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation can potentially be useful as a rescue procedure to safely reduce medically uncontrollable intraocular pressure spike due to anterior segment inflammation.