Study on the aqueous humor flow measured by fluorophotometry after argon laser trabeculoplasty.

We have investigated the variations in the aqueous humor flow (F) after argon laser photocoagulation (ALT) in the trabecular meshwork. The research has been done on 60 eyes with primary open angle glaucoma within initial stages. The argon laser trabeculoplasty was made around 360 degrees in anterior trabecular meshwork with 100 burns. The flow (F) has been studied by fluorophotometry using Yablonsky's protocol. Aqueous humor flow has been measured after 24 hours and after 7 days, to determine the immediate effects of laser trabeculoplasty; and also after 6 months for the long term effects. The initial aqueous humor flow was 1.35 microliters/min. By means of ANOVA we found statistically significant differences on aqueous humor flow after the 7th day (F = 1.67 microliters/min, p < 0.01), which remain six months later (F = 1.71 microliters/min, p < 0.01). This findings suggest that the effects of argon laser trabeculoplasty, either by mechanical or biological changes in the trabecular meshwork do not appear until the 7th day and remain throughout the follow up study.