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Objective: To compare the pattern of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction following selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) versus argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients, and to investigate the ability of initial IOP reduction to predict mid-term success. Methods: A prospective, nonrandomized, interventional case series was carried out. Consecutive uncontrolled OAG glaucoma patients underwent SLT or ALT; the same preoperative medical regimen was maintained during follow-up. Data collected included age, type of OAG, pre- and postoperative IOP, number of glaucoma medications, and surgical complications. Post-treatment assessments were scheduled at day 1 and 7 and months 1, 3, and 6. Results: A total of 45 patients (45 eyes) were enrolled [SLT group (n = 25); ALT group (n = 20)]. Groups were similar for age, baseline IOP, and number of glaucoma medications (P $ 0.12). We found no significant differences in mean IOP reduction between SLT (5.1 (plus or minus) 2.5 mmHg; 26.6%) and ALT (4.4 (plus or minus) 2.8 mmHg; 22.8%) groups at month 6 (P = 0.38). Success rates (IOP # 16 mmHg and IOP reduction $25%) at last follow-up visit were similar for SLT (72%) and ALT (65%) groups (P=0.36). Comparing the pattern of IOP reduction (% of IOP reduction at each visit) between groups, we found a greater effect following SLT compared with ALT at day 7 (23.7% (plus or minus) 13.7% vs 8.1% (plus or minus) 9.5%; P, 0.001). No significant differences were observed at other time points (P $ 0.32). Additionally, the percentage of IOP reduction at day 7 and at month 6 were significantly correlated in the SLT group (R(2) =0.36; P, 0.01), but not in the ALT group (P = 0.89). Early postoperative success predicted late success in most SLT cases (82%). No serious complications were observed. Conclusion: Although mid-term results suggest SLT and ALT as effective and equivalent alternatives, a greater initial IOP reduction was observed following SLT. In addition, the initial IOP reduction was a good predictor of mid-term success in patients undergoing SLT, but not ALT.
T. S. Prata. Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Rua Botucatu, 820, Vila Clementino, Sao Paulo, CEP: 04024-002, Brazil.
12.4 Laser trabeculoplasty and other laser treatment of the angle (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment)