Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation
Endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) is a procedure used to treat glaucoma by reducing the amount of aqueous humour fluid made by the eye and therefore reducing intra-ocular pressure.
The ECP procedure is usually performed with local anaesthesia. Your doctor inserts an endoscope (narrow tube attached with an optic light) via an incision into the eye until the ciliary body (where aqueous humour is produced) comes into view. Your doctor directs a laser beam at the ciliary body to destroy some of the cells that produce aqueous humour. This in turn reduces the pressure in the eye. Many ECP procedures are performed in combination with cataract surgery. Following the procedure, your doctor will instil steroids and antibiotics to avoid inflammation and infection. You may have to continue using glaucoma medication, which can be tapered depending on the success of ECP.
