Using a cyclodiode laser to manage acute angle closure is a safe and effective alternative to emergency lensectomy or trabeculectomy, claims a study in the journal 

, Birmingham Midland Eye Centre, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK, conducted a retrospective case series on five patients with acute angle closure refractory to medical and laser treatment.

All participants underwent cyclodiode laser treatment. The team recorded each patient's demographic information, symptoms, medical and surgical treatment, visual outcomes and intraocular pressure (IOP).

Sufficient IOP control was not achieved with conventional management such as topical and systemic medical treatment, laser iridotomy and laser iridoplasty. Within 2 to 23 days of presentation of acute angle closure, emergency cyclodiode laser treatment was completed.

Lensectomy was performed in all patients at a later date, with final visual acuity of 6/12 or better with well-maintained IOPs. Just one patient required topical treatment and one patient developed persistent low-grade anterior uveitis.

Cyclodiode laser treatment is a successful alternative to managing acute angle closure for patients who do not respond to other treatments.

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Using a cyclodiode laser to manage acute angle closure is a safe and effective alternative to emergency lensectomy or trabeculectomy