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[Selective laser trabeculoplasty treatment for medication-refractory open angle glaucoma]
Orna Geyer1, Alvit Wolf, Elia Levinger
1Department of Ophthamology, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. drgo@netvision.net.il
Harefuah
|December 20, 2005
Summary
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) effectively lowers intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma patients unresponsive to medication. This laser treatment offers a viable alternative when surgery is not an option.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma treatment
- Laser therapy
Context:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) management often involves medication, but some patients become refractory.
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) targets pigmented trabecular meshwork cells to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP).
Purpose:
- To evaluate the 12-month efficacy of SLT in patients with medically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma.
Summary:
- A retrospective study of 50 patients with POAG demonstrated mean IOP reductions of 21% at 6 months and 20% at 12 months post-SLT.
- Success rates, defined as a ≥3 mmHg IOP decrease without additional treatment, were 66% at 6 months and 55% at 12 months.
- 14% of patients required repeat SLT, and 8% showed no response.
Impact:
- SLT is an effective IOP-lowering treatment for medication-refractory open-angle glaucoma.
- Consider SLT for patients with POAG when glaucoma surgery is contraindicated or refused.