# Iris neovascularization and neurotrophic keratopathy following ultrasound cycloplasty in refractory glaucoma: case series

## TL;DR

This case series reports rare but vision-threatening complications like iris neovascularization and neurotrophic keratopathy following ultrasound cycloplasty for glaucoma.

## Contribution

The study highlights previously underreported complications of ultrasound cycloplasty in glaucoma treatment.

## Key findings

- Three patients developed iris neovascularization within 4 weeks post-surgery.
- Three patients developed neurotrophic keratopathy between weeks 3 and 8 post-surgery, resolving within 60 days.
- Complications were uncommon, self-limited, but potentially vision-threatening.

## Abstract

Ultrasound cycloplasty is a noninvasive surgery used to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma, with fewer severe complications. This report presents several cases of iris neovascularization and neurotrophic keratopathy following ultrasound cycloplasty.

Six patients diagnosed with refractory glaucoma underwent ultrasound cycloplasty at our clinic. Three cases developed iris neovascularization at postoperative day 3, week 2 and week 4 respectively, with intraocular pressure ranging from 12 to 24 mmHg. The other three cases developed neurotrophic keratopathy at postoperative week 3, week 6 and week 8 which completely healed within 60 days.

Iris neovascularization and neurotrophic keratopathy can be triggered after ultrasound cycloplasty, which are uncommon and self-limited but potentially vision-threatening. Preoperative risk assessment and regular postoperative follow-up are recommended to manage complications effectively.