Anterior chamber laser flare photometry after diode laser cyclophotocoagulation.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in intraocular inflammation according to energy delivered per eye during transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (TDLC) in refractory glaucoma using laser flare (LF) photometry and to investigate the relationship between the change in anterior chamber flare values ​​and the success of TDLC.

Methods: Patients who underwent TDLC for refractory glaucoma and had LF photometry data were analyzed retrospectively. We recorded the best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP) with Goldmann applanation tonometer, number of anti-glaucoma medications, LF photometry values (ph/ms) on pre-and postoperative days 1, 10 and 30.

Results: The mean laser power applied during TDLC procedure was 2.45±0.35 W. The mean laser duration was 2.09±0.28 s. The mean total energy applied per eye was 114.69±16.13 J, the mean number of pulses was 22.43±4.3. While the mean LF value was 49.71±11.99 ph/ms preoperatively, it was 63.94±12.41 ph/ms at the postoperative 30th day. Possible predictors of success of TDLC were investigated using linear regression analysis (R adjusted 0.454 p = 0.001). The IOP decrease at postoperative 30th day was significantly related to the difference between the postoperative 1st day and the preoperative LF (p = 0.025, B/95% CI -0.358/-0.107- -0.008), and total cyclodiode energy delivered per eye (joules) (p = 0.016, B/95% CI -0.396/-0.287 to -0.031).

Conclusions: Anterior chamber flare values increases after TDLC, though it does not regress to the preoperative level on the postoperative 30th day. Total cyclodiode energy delivered per eye and the difference between the postoperative 1st day and the preoperative LF can be used to predict TDLC response.