Argon laser trabeculoplasty in exfoliation syndrome

A retrospective study of the effects of argon laser trabeculoplasty on a consecutive series of 44 phakic patients (55 eyes) with exfoliation syndrome glaucoma is reported. The follow-up was 12 to 23 months, mean 15 months. At an individual level laser trabeculoplasty was successful in 70% of the patients and 40% were able to reduce or stop their medication. Two patients showed 'late failure' at 15 months after initial control. An early rise of intraocular pressure was fairly common in the exfoliation group, and perhaps these patients need particularly careful monitoring during the initial hours following argon laser trabeculoplasty. A beneficial effect was noted on diurnal curve fluctuations and peak intraocular pressures.