Iris Microcirculation After Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty: A Pilot Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) management often involves selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT).
• Iris microcirculation changes after SLT require further investigation.
• Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) offers a non-invasive method to assess iris vasculature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in iris microcirculation using OCTA in POAG patients post-SLT.
• To determine the correlation between iris vascularity changes and intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction following SLT.

Main Methods:

• Standard SLT was performed on all participants.
• OCTA imaging of the iris was conducted pre-SLT and at one day and seven days post-SLT.
• Iris vessel density was quantified using ImageJ software, and its correlation with IOP changes was analyzed.

Main Results:

• Iris vessel density showed a statistically significant increase one day after SLT (p=0.002), returning to baseline by one week.
• A significant correlation (r=0.57, p=0.002) was observed between the percentage change in iris vessel density and IOP change at three months.

Conclusions:

• SLT induces a transient increase in iris vessel density, observable via OCTA the day after the procedure.
• Elevated iris vascularity post-SLT is linked to a diminished IOP-lowering effect in POAG.
• OCTA can provide insights into the vascular response to SLT and its impact on glaucoma management.