Cyclodiode laser

What is Cyclodiode laser?
The diode laser is a highly concentrated beam of light, which can be used to target and treat a selected area. Sometimes, laser treatment is recommended in order to avoid or delay the need for more invasive surgery. The diode laser is used to produce very small burns in the ciliary body, which produces the watery fluid called aqueous humour, and is situated behind the iris (coloured part of your eye). The reduced production of aqueous humour causes the eye pressure to fall.

What happens on the day of treatment?
The treatment takes place in the operating theatre. You will be asked to attend the ward in advance of the treatment time. Further instructions about this will be given in the letter discussing your admission. I will take your written consent and explain further if you have any questions.

The procedure may be done whilst you are asleep under general anaesthetic although is most commonly done under local anaesthetic. The local anaesthetic involves drops that numb the front surface of your eye and an injection in the skin around your eye, which will make the area around your eye go numb. This may last for a few hours and can affect your vision at the time.

The laser is then applied through the sclera (the white of your eye) using a pen like instrument. At the end of the procedure, an injection of steroid is given to help reduce inflammation that may occur following the laser treatment. An eye pad and a clear plastic shield will be applied over the eye. It is important that you do not drive, and you may wish to arrange for someone to take you home. You will be given drops to take at home. You will probably need to continue your glaucoma eye drops (and or tablets) I will advise you of this before you leave. We will arrange an appointment to come back to the clinic usually 1 to 2 weeks later.

Are there any risks or side effects of this treatment?
Immediately afterwards your eye may look bloodshot. This may result from the injections given to the skin of your eye. Your eye may feel slightly bruised afterwards and sometimes become inflamed. The eye drops will control any inflammation and help to relieve discomfort.

You may wish to take a mild painkiller, for example Paracetamol, to relieve this discomfort. If you are already taking painkillers for a different condition continue with these, but do not take both.

Loss of vision may occur after the treatment particularly if the pressure in the eye goes too low. Some change in the vision is noticed by about 20 % of patients.

How successful is it in lowering the eye pressure?
Over 80% of the eyes treated by laser in this way have a successful lowering of pressure. The effects of the laser can wear off in time but may last for months or years. The treatment can be repeated if necessary.

The information here is intended as a guide only, as each patients experience will be different.