Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty Reduces Intraocular Pressure Peak in Response to the Water Drinking Test.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) on intraocular pressure (IOP) peak and fluctuation induced by the water drinking test (WDT) in patients with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

METHODS

Patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension underwent the WDT before and after SLT within a 12-month period. No other changes to therapeutic regimen were permitted. IOP was measured with a Goldmann applanation tonometer at baseline and every 15 minutes for 45 minutes following a fluid challenge of 800 mL over 15 minutes. Baseline, peak, and percentage fluctuation in IOP from baseline were compared using a repeated measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni adjustment.

RESULTS

Twenty eyes from 20 patients were included in this study. The median patient age was 73±15 years (interquartile range) and 70% of patients were female. Ten eyes (50%) had a diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma and 10 eyes had ocular hypertension. Following SLT there was a statistically significant reduction in mean baseline IOP from 16.9±2.4 to 14.2±2.3 mm Hg (P<0.001), peak IOP from 21.9±3.7 to 16.9±3.1 mm Hg (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension treated with SLT have significantly reduced peak IOPs and fluctuation in IOP in response to the WDT.