When trabeculectomy has failed, glaucoma treatment can
resort to ciliary body destruction. This may be performed using
freezing (cyclocryotherapy) or laser (YAG) surgery.
The
surgery is performed in an outpatient setting through the Ambulatory
Surgery Unit at University Hospital. Anesthesia is local. The procedure
lasts for 30 minutes. Postoperative discomfort is the most significant
complication. Decreased vision and inflammation in the eye can occur.
Frequently, patients may resume usual daily activities within days
after surgery.
Ciliary body destruction is a procedure
of last resort. It should be considered only after other modalities
have been tried. However, in a patient who has failed trabeculectomy,
it should be considered to prevent further loss of vision.
