Corneal changes after a single session of selective laser trabeculoplasty for open-angle glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Corneal Physiology

Background:

• Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
• Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a common treatment for OAG.
• Understanding the ocular side effects of SLT is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) on endothelial cell count and central corneal thickness (CCT).
• To assess changes in refractive error following SLT in patients with OAG.
• To determine the short-term recovery of corneal parameters after SLT.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 111 eyes of 66 OAG patients.
• SLT was performed to 360° of the trabecular meshwork.
• Endothelial cell count, CCT, and spherical equivalent were measured at baseline, 1 week, and 1 month post-SLT.

Main Results:

• Endothelial cell count and CCT showed significant transient reductions at 1 week post-SLT (P=0.0004 and P=0.02, respectively).
• Both endothelial cell count and CCT returned to baseline levels by 1 month post-SLT (P=0.3 and P=0.2, respectively).
• Refractive error (spherical equivalent) remained stable throughout the study period. A positive correlation was observed between total laser energy and CCT at 1 month (r=0.3, P=0.005).

Conclusions:

• SLT leads to temporary, but not permanent, reductions in endothelial cell count and CCT.
• Corneal parameters recover to baseline levels within one month after SLT.
• Patients should be informed about potential transient corneal changes following SLT treatment.