The short-term effect of laser trabeculoplasty on the glaucomatous visual field. A prospective study using computerized perimetry.

Several earlier studies have shown improvement of glaucomatous visual fields after pressure reduction achieved by acetazolamide or filtering surgery, while other studies have given conflicting results. In the present study laser trabeculoplasty was used to reduce the IOP in 42 eyes with glaucomatous visual field defects. Although good pressure reduction was achieved, no general regression of field defects was observed. The changes of the visual field were not correlated to the degree of pressure reduction. The results do not support the hypothesis that glaucomatous field defects are reversible when the IOP is reduced.