Micropulse trans-scleral laser therapy outcomes for uncontrolled glaucoma: a prospective 18-month study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of micropulse trans-scleral laser therapy (mTLT) in glaucomatous patients.

DESIGN

Prospective, interventional study in a university hospital setting.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-two eyes of 52 adult patients with uncontrolled glaucoma despite maximal tolerated medical treatment, and/or poor candidates for filtering surgery.

METHODS

Participants received a 360-degree mTLT diode laser treatment (2000mW, 31.33% duty cycle), with duration adjusted to iris pigmentation and glaucoma severity (160-320 seconds). They were followed for 18 months to assess intraocular pressure (IOP), number of medications, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), glaucoma progression based on Humphrey Sita 24-2 perimetry and Cirrus high-definition optical coherence tomography, and complications. The primary outcome measure was the absolute success at 18 months. Absolute success was defined as an IOP 6-21 mm Hg and at least 25% IOP reduction, with equal or less number of IOP medications. Qualified success allowed for an increased number of IOP medications. Failure was defined as an inability to meet the criteria for success or the need for incisional glaucoma surgery.

RESULTS

Treatment absolute success was 61.5% at 12 months and 59.6% at 18 months. Mean IOP was reduced by 35.6% at 18 months (23.6 ± 6.5 mm Hg at baseline; 15.2 ± 4.1 mm Hg at 18 months, p < 0.001). mTLT did not significantly reduce the number of topical glaucoma medications (p = 0.075); however, 15 eyes (29%) had systemic oral glaucoma treatment at baseline and 10 eyes (20%) at 18 months. Eight patients (15%) experienced vision loss of ≥2 lines after the procedure. Three patients (6%) regained their preoperative CDVA by 1 month, and 3 patients (6%) by 3 months, while 2 patients (4%) sustained persistent visual loss. No ocular complications were noted in 84.6%. Incisional surgery was required in 25% of eyes owing to inadequately controlled glaucoma despite mTLT.

CONCLUSIONS

mTLT is a good therapeutic option for moderate IOP reduction, while being safe and predictable. This improved safety profile makes mTLT a treatment to be considered earlier in the management of glaucoma.