Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty after a Previous Glaucoma Treatment.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Management
• Laser Therapy

Background:

• Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a recognized first-line treatment for ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma.
• SLT demonstrates comparable efficacy to eye drop therapy and delays surgical intervention.
• This study investigates SLT's effectiveness in patients who have already undergone pressure-reducing procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the duration until a subsequent interventional or surgical procedure is required after SLT in patients with prior pressure-reducing procedures.
• To evaluate the efficacy of SLT as a secondary treatment for glaucoma management.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 98 patients (122 eyes) who received SLT after a previous pressure-reducing procedure (2017-2023).
• Statistical analysis included Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival estimations.
• Follow-up duration ranged from 43.25 to 862.75 days, with a median of 381.5 days.

Main Results:

• Approximately 68% of eyes remained without further procedures at 365 days post-SLT, and 58% at 730 days.
• No significant difference in duration to subsequent procedures was found between glaucoma types.
• Pre-SLT intraocular pressure significantly impacted the time until the next intervention (p=0.005).

Conclusions:

• Selective laser trabeculoplasty is an effective treatment option even after a prior pressure-reducing procedure.
• SLT can help delay further interventions in patients requiring continued pressure reduction.
• The findings support SLT's role in managing glaucoma when further interventions need to be postponed.