Long-term outcomes in patients initially responsive to selective laser trabeculoplasty

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Laser Therapy

Background:

• Glaucoma management often involves maximally tolerated medical therapy (MTMT).
• Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a treatment option for glaucoma.
• Long-term outcomes of SLT in patients on MTMT require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term efficacy of SLT on intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication use.
• To assess SLT outcomes up to 5 years post-treatment in glaucoma patients receiving MTMT.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of glaucoma patients undergoing SLT after MTMT.
• Exclusion of eyes not achieving target IOP within 3 months post-SLT.
• Analysis of IOP and medication counts at 1, 3, and 5 years.

Main Results:

• Mean IOP was significantly reduced at 1 year post-SLT (P=0.005).
• A significant decrease in the mean number of glaucoma medications was observed at 1, 3, and 5 years (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.039).
• Within 5 years, 2.7% had repeat SLT, 9.3% had glaucoma surgery, and 4.0% underwent both.

Conclusions:

• SLT significantly reduces medication burden in glaucoma patients on MTMT for up to 5 years.
• SLT may serve as a viable option to delay the need for incisional glaucoma surgery.