Mr Akash Raj MBBS & MD (AIIMS), MRCS, DRCOphth, FRCS, FRCOphth, PG Dip (Distinction) Consultant Ophthalmologist, Glaucoma specialist and Cataract surgeon, Birmingham, Dudley, Midlands, UK
Mr Akash Raj MBBS & MD (AIIMS), MRCS, DRCOphth, FRCS, FRCOphth, PG Dip (Distinction)Consultant Ophthalmologist, Glaucoma specialist and Cataract surgeon, Birmingham, Dudley, Midlands, UK 

Cyclodiode Laser Treatment

First image shows 'G Cyclodiode probe' being used to deliver laser to ciliary body(fluid producing tissue inside the eye); 2nd image shows location of the cyclodiode laser spots on the eye; 3rd image shows laser localization on ciliary body.

 

 

Glaucoma is a blinding disease of the eye. The primary aim of glaucoma treatmentis to reduce the eye pressure to a level which is safe enough for that particular eye. This can usually be achieved with regular eye drops. If eye drops fail to reduce the pressure, damage to the delicate optic nerve will eventually cause permanent loss of sight and blindness. However, there are other options available to reduce the risk of this happening. Laser treatments are usually the next step, althoughselective laser trabeculoplasty may be quite effective even as an initial treatment of glaucoma. 

 

Cyclodiode laser treatment is used in the treatment of glaucoma that is difficult to control with other means and where other means are not appropriate. The laser is applied to the ciliary body in the eye, which reduces the production of fluid (aqueous humour) and can keep the eye pressure low.

 

Cyclodiode laser treatment is usually carried out under a local anaesthetic and as a day case. This means that although you will be awake, the eye will be numb so you will not feel any pain. The procedure is performed in operating theatre and takes about 15-20 minutes but the whole process may take few hours to half a day. You may be given an eye pad after the laser treatment which you should leave on until you get home. You are advised that you do not drive on the day of the procedure. Your eye may be uncomfortable and experience pain for a few days after the procedure - this can usually be controlled with simple painkillers such as paracetamol etc. The eye may also be watery and gritty for a few days and the vision may be blurred. You may be given some new drops to use initially to reduce inflammation and discomfort in the eye. It is important that these drops are used as directed.

 

 

Cyclodiode laser treatment uses diode laser, which is a highly concentrated beam of light, which can be used to target and treat a selected area inside the eye called the ciliary body. The ciliary body produces the watery fluid called Aqueous Humour, and is situated behind the iris (coloured part of your eye). Laser to the ciliary body leads to reduced production of aqueous humour (watery fluid in the eye) and this leads to fall in intraocular pressure (pressure in the eye).

 

The potential side effects and complications are: pain, bloodshot eye, bleeding, failure, need for further treatment or procedures, reduced or loss of sight especially if the eye pressure goes very low (hypotony, this might occur in about 1 in 100 eyes treated). Some change in the vision is noticed by up to 20 % of patients which may be due to various reasons and may sometimes be related to inflammation in the eye and swelling in the central retina that may improve with treatment.

 

About 80% of the eyes treated by laser in this way have a successful lowering of eye pressure. The effects of the laser can wear off in time but sometimes may last for months or years. The treatment can be repeated if necessary. In some studies every second eye will need to be retreated by 18 months.

 

Mr Raj will advise you whether you should continue your usual eye drops or stop them. You will usually have a check-up appointment within a month of treatment at the eye clinic to monitor your response to the laser treatment.

 

Please note that almost all glaucoma treatments and procedures including laser treatments are to better manage glaucoma and not to improve your vision.

 

Please note: This procedure is not aimed at improving vision or visual field. Vision once lost from glaucoma can not be regained. All treatment/operation for glaucoma is aimed at slowing down the rate of progression of glaucoma so that the risk of complete blindness in one's lifetime may be reduced.

 

Should you experience undue pain, redness of your eye and reduced vision,please contact your local eye emergency service without delay.

 

You may find relevant further information at

http://eyewiki.aao.org/Cyclodestructive_Procedures_in_Treatment_of_Glaucoma

 

 

Private & NHS patients

How to see Mr Raj

For private patients & referrals

 

Mr Akash Raj 

Consultant Ophthalmologist, Glaucoma specialist & Cataract surgeon

 

Stourside Hospital (part of West midland Hospital)

60 Bradley Road

Stourbridge

DY8 1UX

01384 505 183

 

(Alternate:

Monday Evenings)

 

Appointments:

01384 912966

 

Private Secretary: Tara Ralph : 01384 632 636 

                               

                                           

 

 

 

Mr Akash Raj

Consultant Ophthalmologist, Glaucoma & Cataract specialist.

 

 

For NHS Referrals through GP/Opticians

 

Mr Akash Raj

Consultant Ophthalmologist (Glaucoma Lead)

 

Russells Hall Hospital

Pensnett Road

Dudley

West Midlands

DY1 2HQ

 

Phone: 01384456111

Extn. 5815 (NHS Secretary: Lyn Eaton)

 

 

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© Glaucoma specialist, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Cataract surgeon, Birmingham, Dudley and West Midlands, United Kingdom.