Cyclophotocoagulation (CPC or ECP)
Another option for lowering the eye pressure is a laser treatment called cyclophotocoagulation. The fluid that circulates inside the eye is called the aqueous. The aqueous is created by a special tissue inside the eye called the ciliary body. If the amount of aqueous created inside the eye decreases the eye pressure will decrease. Many glaucoma medications affect the ciliary body and decrease the amount of fluid it creates. When medications can’t be tolerated or are not working well, and other surgical options fail or can’t be done, cyclophotocoagulation can be used. This laser causes destruction of the ciliary body and therefore decreases the amount of aqueous and lowers the eye pressure. It can be done from outside the eye as an in-office procedure (CPC), or inside the eye in a surgery center (ECP). Often ECP is combined with cataract surgery. This is one of the least common lasers done, but can be very effective when other treatment options are not available.
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