Argon laser trabeculoplasty: a review

A review of argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) indicates that it appears to be a viable tool in the treatment of many forms of open angle glaucoma. It effectively lowers intraocular pressure with few relative risks to the patient. Unfortunately, its pressure-lowering effects diminish with time. The primary risks of ALT are a transient rise in IOP (20 percent incidence) and the development of peripheral anterior synechia (20-46 percent incidence). The Glaucoma Laser Trial (GLT), a multi-institutional study, is currently evaluating the long-term effect of ALT.