Clinical and Histopathological Evaluation of Maximal and Supramaximal Energy Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Laser therapy
• Glaucoma treatment

Background:

• Glaucoma management often involves laser therapies to reduce intraocular pressure.
• Direct selective laser trabeculoplasty (DSLT®) is a newer technique with varying energy parameters.
• Assessing the safety profile of DSLT® on ocular tissues is crucial for clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical and histopathological effects of DSLT® at maximal and supramaximal energy levels.
• To compare DSLT® outcomes with selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and sham treatments.
• To investigate the impact of DSLT® on both target and nontarget ocular tissues.

Main Methods:

• Rabbit eyes underwent DSLT® (maximal/supramaximal energy), SLT, or sham treatment.
• Ocular tissues were examined clinically (slit lamp, AS-OCT, specular microscopy) and histopathologically.
• Evaluations were performed at multiple time points up to 4 weeks post-treatment.

Main Results:

• All laser treatments were uneventful with minor acute responses similar between DSLT® and SLT.
• No significant clinical or histopathological changes were observed at 29 days post-treatment.
• No damage to nontarget tissues, including limbal stem cells, was noted.

Conclusions:

• DSLT® treatment on limbus, iris, and sclera showed no significant adverse effects.
• Results were consistent across maximal and supramaximal energy levels and compared to SLT.
• DSLT® appears safe for ocular tissues, even at higher energy settings.