Repetitive short-pulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for glaucoma

NICE did a rapid review of the published literature on the efficacy and safety of this procedure. This comprised a comprehensive literature search and detailed review of the evidence from 18 sources, which was discussed by the committee. The evidence included 1 randomised controlled study, 1 non-randomised comparative study, 1 retrospective cohort study, 11 case series and 4 case reports. It is presented in table 2 of the interventional procedures overview. Other relevant literature is in the appendix of the overview.

The professional experts and the committee considered the key efficacy outcomes to be reduced intraocular pressure and maintaining visual fields.

The professional experts and the committee considered the key safety outcomes to be pain, hypotony and anterior chamber inflammation.

Eight commentaries from patients who have had this procedure were discussed by the committee.

There is some evidence of efficacy in patients with refractory glaucoma.

The committee was informed that the procedure may need to be repeated in some patients.

The committee noted that glaucoma is a common condition. It considered that, in this context, there was a lack of controlled studies of sufficient statistical power. This underpinned their recommendation for further research.