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The aim of this prospective clinical study was to investigate intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction after selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). SLT represents a new method in the treatment of POAG. Fifty eyes with uncontrolled POAG were treated with a frequency doubled, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 nm). The pattern of treatment was applying approximately 50 burns to 180° of the trabecular meshwork at energy levels ranging from 0.40-0.92 mJ per pulse. After SLT eyes were maintained with the identical hypotensive medical therapy as that before treatment. IOP was measured before treatment, one and seven days after treatment and one, three, six, and 12 months after treatment. The mean pretreatment IOP was 22.48 (SD 1.84) mmHg. At the end of one month of follow-up, the mean reduction of IOP was 4.86 (SD 2.38) mmHg or 21.6%; after three months, this was 5.66 (SD 2.40) mmHg or 25.2%; after six months, 5.06 (SD 2.37) mmHg or 22.5%; at the end of 12 months follow-up period, 4.92 (SD 2.58) mmHg or 21.9%. It can be concluded that SLT presents a new and effective method of IOP reduction in the treatment of POAG.
Dr. T. Gracner, General Hospital Maribor, Department of Ophthalmology, Maribor, Slovenia
12.4 Laser trabeculoplasty and other laser treatment of the angle (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment)