Prognostic features in laser trabeculoplasty

Of 59 phakic eyes with open-angle glaucoma initially treated with laser trabeculoplasty, 45 eyes were followed at least 6 months. Intraocular pressure (IOP) at 6 months was less than 22 mmHg in 37 (82%), of which 25 (81%) were on fewer medications; of 26 eyes followed at least 12 months, IOP was less than 22 mmHg in 24 (92%). Of 49 eyes of patients over 55 years, 43 (88%) had a final IOP less than 22 mmHg, significantly (P less than 0.01) greater than 5/10 eyes of patients under 55 years. Initial IOP correlated positively with reduction of IOP (r = 0.66). IOP was measured 1 h after treatment in 42 eyes, of which 11 (26%) rose greater than or equal to 8 mmHg. This pressure elevation did not significantly affect the success rate.