American Journal of Ophthalmology on endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP)
done at UCSF in 1996.  While we found pretty good success overall, we
did find a significant number of patients developed postoperative
inflammation and retinal swelling.  Many needed repeat treatments as
well.  Such swelling can lead to permanent reduction in vision,
although about 75-85% of patients with swelling will have it resolve
with treatment over a few months.  As uveitic glaucoma patients are
more prone to inflammation and retinal swelling anyway, I  would not
advise this procedure in such a patient.  It is also slightly more
risky in one who has not had cataract surgery as the laser probe goes
right over the lens and may increase cataract formation.
I like using valved implants (Ahmed valve) in my patients with
uveitic glaucoma.  I have never seen an increase in inflammation with
these implants (they are inert silicone) and they lower IOP
dramatically.  As for laser cyclophotocoagulation done outside the eye
(without a probe inside the eye), this can also cause a great deal of
ocular inflammation.  I would at least seek a second opinion.
Rick Cohn, MD
Glaucoma Specialist
Winter Park, FL