Intraocular Pressure Response in the Untreated Contralateral Eye After Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Laser Therapy

Background:

• Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a common treatment for open-angle glaucoma.
• The effect of SLT on the untreated contralateral eye is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of SLT on intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication use in the fellow, untreated eye.
• To determine the success rate of SLT in the contralateral eye and identify factors influencing it.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 125 patients with open-angle glaucoma treated with 360-degree SLT.
• Exclusion of patients with prior/subsequent laser/surgery or corticosteroid use.
• Analysis of IOP, medication reduction, and SLT success at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months.

Main Results:

• Significant IOP and medication reductions were observed in the contralateral eye at 6 weeks and 6 months (p<0.05).
• Contralateral eye success rates were 24% at 6 weeks/6 months and 20.8% at 12 months.
• Contralateral eye success was strongly associated with ipsilateral eye success (OR 5.05-16.1, p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• First-time SLT leads to significant IOP and medication reductions in the contralateral eye at 6 weeks and 6 months.
• The contralateral eye is 5.05-16.1 times more likely to achieve success if the treated eye is successful within 12 months.