Therapeutic effect of laser photocoagulation of ciliary processes in aphakic glaucoma

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of laser photocoagulation of ciliary processes after pars plana vitrectomy in aphakic glaucoma. Twenty patients (20 eyes) of aphakic glaucoma underwent vitrectomy plus laser treatment. During the surgery, after conventional 3-incision pars plana vitrectomy, a probe of semi-conductor diode laser (532 nm) was inserted through the sclera incision, the ciliary processes were then photocoagulated under direct visualization for 180 degree range. Before and after the surgery, the visual acuity, the intraocular pressure (IOP) as well as the outer appearance of the anterior segment were evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 13 months. The IOP at the last visit was (21.35 +/-2.52) mmHg, which was significantly lower than that before the surgery [(39.75 +/-6.27) mmHg, P=0.000]. Atrophy of the ciliary processes was observed 1-3 months after the surgery. Pars plana vitrectomy combined with laser coagulation of ciliary processes reduces the IOP in patients with aphakic glaucoma effecti