Ultrasound cycloplasty: a case series examining the efficacy on a local Malaysian cohort of patients

Abstract

Introduction: Ultrasound cycloplasty (UCP) is commercially available in Europe. It has been shown to have less side effects than its trans-scleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation counterpart in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in refractory glaucoma patients.

Case presentation: This retrospective case series followed seven patients treated with UCP for refractory glaucoma at the Ophthalmology Clinic, Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Patients were aged 52–80 years, with baseline IOP 14–27 mmHg. All patients received sequential activation of the transducers lasting 8 seconds. Postoperatively, patients were followed-up at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. No complications or changes in best-corrected visual acuity were recorded postoperatively. One patient underwent a trabeculectomy 3 months post-procedure, whilst the others continued regular medication. At 1-month postoperative, there was IOP reduction of 6–10 mmHg in six patients. At the 3-month follow-up, IOP returned to the preoperative levels. Conservative power and duration of the shots were used to ensure patients safety.

Conclusion: Most studies on UCP safety and efficacy have been conducted on Caucasian populations. A longer duration of UCP may be necessary in the Asian population. Further studies are required to determine the efficacy of UCP in the Asian population.