What to Expect: Diode Cyclophotocoagulation (diode CPC)

If your doctor has recommended a diode CPC, read on to know what to expect at the visit.

1. What is diode CPC?

A quick laser procedure that takes approximately 1-2 minutes.
Numbing medication is needed around the eye, so the appointment may take approximately 30 minutes for most patients.
Performed to decrease eye pressure.

2. Why do I need it?

Your eye constantly produces a fluid called aqueous humor from ciliary processes. The aqueous humor usually leaves the eye through a drain inside the eye, keeping your eye pressures relatively stable.
If your drain does not work well for any reason, your eye pressures may rise, which can damage the optic nerve (glaucoma).
The diode CPC decreases your eye pressure by shrinking the ciliary processes, which decreases the production of the aqueous humor.

3. What will happen at a diode CPC visit?

You will receive numbing and cleaning eye drops. You may also receive a steroid and/or a glaucoma eye drop to decrease the risks of inflammation or high eye pressures in the eye(s) receiving the treatment.
Your doctor will give your additional numbing medication around the eye, which may feel like a brain-freeze type of a headache for a few seconds.
You will likely feel some pressure during the diode CPC treatment, but if you have pain, let your doctor know.
After the treatment, you may receive an eye ointment and the eye will be patched. You will also be started on a steroid eye drop. Follow your doctor’s instructions on when to remove the patch and begin your eye drops.
If you were using glaucoma eye drops before the procedure, continue them unless told otherwise by your doctor.

4. What to expect after the diode CPC?

Your vision will be dark for a few hours, and your eyelid may be droopy until the numbing medication wears off.
When you remove the eye patch, you may notice some blood-tinged tears and the eye may be red for a few days.
Once the numbing medication wears off, you may have a slight headache – you can use over-the-counter pain medications unless you have been told not to by a doctor.
If your doctor prescribes you any eye drops to use after the laser, use them as instructed.
You will receive instructions to make a follow-up appointment to recheck your eye pressures.

5. What are the risks of diode CPC?

As with any eye procedures, there are small risks associated with diode CPC, such as the following:

1. You may need a repeat diode CPC, or additional glaucoma treatments.
2. Your eye pressure may increase. You should not have severe eye pain or headaches after the procedure. If you do, call our office the same day.
3. You may have swelling in your retina, which would not hurt, but may distort your vision, and you may need medical treatment.
4. Your eye pressure may become too low, which may decrease your vision.
5. In very rare cases, you may develop inflammation in the other (untreated) eye, which would need to be treated promptly with anti-inflammatory medications.

REMEMBER:
If you have a question or a concern about your vision or your eyes, call us at 520-327-3487.