Late results of laser trabeculoplasty for increased intraocular pressure

One hundred and eighty eyes of 161 patients with increased intraocular pressure resistant to medical therapy were treated with laser trabeculoplasty and were followed up for 18 to 42 months. In 97 eyes there was an exfoliation syndrome. In 93 of these there was an initial response. In 10 eyes pressure rose again during follow-up. Of these, 7 were classed as late failures. 76 eyes had a primary open angle glaucoma or primary ocular hypertension, 58 responded to treatment. In one eye the effect worsened during follow-up. In several eyes there was a deterioration of the visual field in spite of the fact that laser treatment resulted in good pressure reduction.