Selective laser trabeculoplasty in Egyptian patients with primary open-angle glaucoma

To assess the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) in Egyptian patients after selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as a primary or adjunctive treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

One hundred and six eyes with POAG were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients were divided into two groups: recently diagnosed cases with no preoperative medications (group 1) and; patients with confirmed glaucoma on medical therapy (group 2). All patients underwent 360° SLT. Patients were evaluated to 18 months postoperatively. Data were analyzed on postoperative changes in IOP, number of medications and complications. A P-value less than 0.05 was statistically significant.

A statistically significant drop in IOP occurred, from 19.55 ± 4.8 mmHg preoperatively, to 16.03 ± 2.8 mmHg postoperatively (P < 0.001). Each group had a statistically significant drop in IOP (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant decrease in the number of medications in group 2 from 2.25 ± 0.97 medications preoperatively to 1.0 ± 1.3 medications postoperatively (P = 0.004). No serious complications occurred for the duration of the study.

SLT can be safely and effectively used as primary or adjunctive therapy for the treatment of POAG.