A comparison between 90 degrees and 180 degrees selective laser trabeculoplasty

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Treatment
• Laser Therapy

Background:

• Open-angle glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
• Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a common treatment to lower intraocular pressure.
• Optimizing SLT parameters is crucial for efficacy and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of two selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) regimens in patients with open-angle glaucoma.
• To evaluate SLT with 25 laser spots on 90 degrees of the trabecular meshwork versus 50 laser spots on 180 degrees.

Main Methods:

• A prospective clinical study involving 64 patients with open-angle glaucoma.
• Patients were divided into two groups: one receiving SLT with 25 spots/90 degrees, the other 50 spots/180 degrees.
• Intraocular pressure reduction was compared between the two groups.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in pressure reduction was observed between the two SLT treatment regimens.
• Previous argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) did not influence the pressure-lowering effect of SLT.
• Trabecular meshwork pigmentation correlated with a delayed pressure-lowering response post-SLT.

Conclusions:

• SLT with 25 laser spots on 90 degrees of the trabecular meshwork is as effective as the 50 spots/180 degrees regimen for lowering intraocular pressure.
• The less intensive SLT regimen may enhance treatment repeatability and minimize potential trabecular meshwork tissue damage.
• This finding supports a potentially safer and more efficient approach to SLT in glaucoma management.