Positive correlation between blood reflux in Schlemm's canal and the decrease of intraocular pressure after selective...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
• Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a common treatment to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in POAG.
• The mechanism by which SLT achieves sustained IOP reduction requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between blood reflux in Schlemm's canal (SC) and IOP decrease following SLT in POAG patients.
• To determine if the presence and extent of SC blood reflux predict the magnitude and duration of IOP reduction.
• To explore the correlation between SC blood reflux and IOP changes post-SLT.

Main Methods:

• 35 eyes of 25 POAG patients undergoing 360° SLT were enrolled.
• Gonioscopy with quadrant compression was performed before SLT to assess SC blood reflux.
• Eyes were categorized into reflux-positive and reflux-negative groups; IOP was measured pre- and post-SLT up to 6 months.

Main Results:

• Both reflux-positive and -negative groups showed significant IOP decrease at 1-3 months post-SLT.
• The reflux-positive group maintained a significant IOP decrease at 6 months, unlike the negative group.
• A positive correlation was found between the number of quadrants with SC blood reflux and the percentage IOP decrease post-SLT.

Conclusions:

• Blood reflux in SC after SLT is positively correlated with IOP reduction in POAG.
• SC blood reflux serves as a potential indicator for a more significant and sustained IOP-lowering effect of SLT.
• Further research may explore SC blood reflux as a predictive marker for SLT outcomes.