Intraocular pressure reduction after selective laser trabeculoplasty in primary open angle glaucoma

The aim of this prospective clinical study was to investigate the intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction after selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). SLT represents a new method in the treatment of POAG. Fifty eyes with uncontrolled POAG were treated with a frequency doubled, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 nm). The pattern of treatment was applying approximately 50 burns to 180 degrees of the trabecular meshwork at energy levels ranging from 0.40-0.92 mJ per pulse. After SLT eyes were maintained with the identical hypotensive medical therapy as that before treatment. IOP was measured before treatment, 1 and 7 days after treatment and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. The mean pretreatment IOP was 22.48 (SD 1.84) mm Hg. At the end of 1 month follow-up period the mean reduction of IOP was 4.86 (SD 2.38) mmHg or 21.6%; after 3 months the mean reduction was 5.66 (SD 2.40) mmHg or 25.2%; after 6 months the mean reduction of IOP was 5.06 (SD 2.37) mmHg or 22.5%; at the end of 12 months follow-up period the mean reduction was 4.92 (SD 2.58) mmHg or 21.9%. It can be concluded that SLT presents a new and effective method of IOP reduction in the treatment of POAG.