What is ECP?
A new procedure using intense light energy has been increasingly popular because of its effectiveness in treatment for glaucoma. ECP, or endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation, involves direct photocoagulation to each ciliary process involving a 180 to 270 degree span.  In this process there is selective removal of secreting ciliary body tissue, sparing the adjacent tissues. This selectivity maybe an important factor with regards to the relatively low incidences of vision threatening complications, compared to the trans-scleral approach.

How is ECP Performed?
At one day post-operatively, the patients are placed on a regimen of drops, also including topical antibiotics, steroids, NSAIDs, (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents), cycloplegics and their preoperative glaucoma medications except for miotics and prostaglandin analogues.  The reason for the discontinuance of these drops is that they may exacerbate intraocular inflammation or its sequelae.  At one week postoperatively, the antibiotics are discontinued and the cycloplegics, NSAIDs and steroids are used at a tapered dosage as the inflammation subsides.  If the targeted IOP goal has been met, glaucoma medications may be discontinued.  The post-operative course is usually painless.

What Results Can I Expect?
While the results of ECP are quite favorable, potential complications from ECP surgery are fibrin exudate, hyphaema, cystoid macular edema, vision loss or choroidal detachment.  Although ECP may not be as effective as a trabeculectomy, ECP appears to be a safe substitute for patients who are compelled to have both cataract and glaucoma surgery and may have them at the same time.