[Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT): our experience in African blacks]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Laser Therapy

Background:

• Chronic open-angle glaucoma and isolated ocular hypertension are significant ophthalmic conditions.
• Black patients represent a key demographic for glaucoma research due to higher prevalence and risk.
• Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a therapeutic option for managing intraocular pressure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the short- and medium-term efficacy of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT).
• To assess intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in black patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
• To determine the impact of SLT on reducing ocular medication burden.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study analyzing data from black patients undergoing SLT.
• Inclusion criteria: open iridocorneal angle (≥ Schaeffer grade 3), trabecular pigmentation data, SLT parameters, and IOP measurements.
• Positive response defined as post-SLT IOP < 21 mmHg at 1-month follow-up; treatment involved 180° or 360° laser application.

Main Results:

• 90% of patients achieved a positive response to SLT, with a mean IOP decrease of 13% by week two.
• Patients treated with 360° SLT experienced a greater mean IOP reduction of 27%.
• SLT enabled prostaglandin discontinuation in 60% of patients and reduced polypharmacy.

Conclusions:

• SLT is effective in black patients for potentiating existing treatments and reducing medication reliance.
• The procedure helps avoid or delay the need for initial monotherapy in hypertensive eyes.
• A 360° SLT protocol appears to yield superior IOP-lowering results in this population.