Short-term results of 360° selective laser trabeculoplasty in patients with failed deep sclerectomy

To evaluate the short-term results of 360° selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in the treatment of patients with previously failed deep sclerectomy (DS).

Patients with open angle glaucoma with prior failed DS and insufficient postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) control were enrolled. Preoperative and postoperative IOP were measured using a Goldmann applanation tonometer. One hundred non-overlapping laser shots were applied over 360°. IOP was measured before SLT and 1h after SLT. Follow-up was scheduled at the first week and at the first, third, and sixth months thereafter.

A total of 22 eyes (13 patients) were included in the study with a male:female ratio of 1:1 and a mean age of 51.73±13.51y (28-73y). The mean IOP prior to SLT was 18.41±5.24 mm Hg, which decreased to 15.91±3.56 (P=0.071), 15.05±4.53 (P=0.097), 13.91±2.67 (P<0.001) and 13.95±1.84 mm Hg; (P<0.001) at 1wk, 1, 3, and 6mo of follow-up, respectively. This change was statistically significant at the 3mo and 6mo follow-up. The number of anti-glaucoma medications dropped significantly throughout the follow-up period (P=0.014).

360° SLT can be an effective complementary treatment after failed DS to decrease IOP and anti-glaucoma medications, thus improving patient compliance and tolerance.