High-intensity focused ultrasound cyclo-coagulation: a prospective study from a tertiary center

Purpose High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology aims to achieve selective coagulation of the cilliary body, thus reducing aqueous humor production and lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). This study evaluated safety and efficacy of HIFU cyclo-coagulation using EyeOP-1® device in 44 glaucoma patients. Methods Glaucoma patients with uncontrolled IOP despite optimal medication were scheduled for HIFU treatment and followed for 12 months. The primary efficacy and safety outcomes were IOP reduction and major adverse events, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA v14.1. Results Fourty-four patients (23 male) with a mean age of 70 ± 15 years were studied. Mean preoperative IOP reduced from 26.6 ± 3.8 mmHg to 17.7 ± 4.3 mm Hg at month 6 and 17.4 ± 3.3 mm Hg after 12 months (P < 0.01). Mean number of medications also decreased from 3.1 ± 0.8 at baseline to 2.4 ± 0.9 after 6 months and 2.3 ± 0.5 at month 12 (P < 0.01). More than 80% of the patients achieved an IOP-reduction of more than 20% compared to baseline, being almost all cases within the target IOP range. One serious adverse event (hypotonia) was registered. Conclusions This innovative device seems to be effective in decreasing IOP and to contribute to decrease the number of administered glaucoma drops, with a good safety profile.