[Selective laser trabeculoplasty in the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in the treatment of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

METHODS

In a prospective non-randomized clinical study, 63 patients (85 eyes) with POAG and medically uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) underwent SLT. A total of 50 +/- 5 adjacent but nonoverlapping spots were placed over inferior 180 degrees of the trabecular meshwork using a 532 nm, Q-switched, Nd: YAG laser at energy levels ranging from 0.6 - 1.8 mJ per pulse. After SLT, the eyes continued to receive the identical drug regimen. All patients were observed before and 1, 2 hours, 1, 7 and 14 days, and 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after the treatment.

RESULTS

The average pre-operative IOP was (25 +/- 4) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa). The mean IOP reduction from baseline were 8.1 mm Hg (32.0%) 1 day after the SLT, 5.6 mm Hg (22.1%) 7 days after the SLT, 4.7 mm Hg (18.6%) 14 days after the SLT, 5.5 mm Hg (21.7%) 1 month after the SLT, 5.1 mm Hg (20.2%) 2 months after the SLT, 5.9 mm Hg (23.3%) 3 months after the SLT, 5.2 mm Hg (20.6%) 6 months after the SLT, 4.0 mm Hg (15.8%) 9 months after the SLT, 4.2 mm Hg (16.6%) 12 months after the SLT, 3.8 mm Hg (15.0%) 18 months after the SLT, and 3.3 mm Hg (13.0%) 24 months after the SLT (P < 0.01 or 0.05). Adverse reactions were minimal, including conjunctival injection, mild anterior chamber reaction, and transient pressure spike.

CONCLUSION

SLT is a safe, and effective method of reducing IOP in POAG patients.