Abstract
Purpose:
To evaluate the outcomes of micropulse laser trabeculoplasty vs. selective laser trabeculoplasty in eyes with glaucoma
Methods:
12 eyes that underwent micropulse laser trabeculoplasty (MLT) and 14 eyes that underwent selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) were included in this retrospective study. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measured by Goldman applanation tonometry was recorded before laser treatment and at the longest follow-up visit. The number of glaucoma drops before and after laser treatment was also recorded. Eyes that underwent additional glaucoma laser treatments or surgeries were excluded from the analysis.
Results:
Eyes in both the MLT and SLT groups had significantly lower IOP after laser trabeculoplasty (MLT mean IOP change = 3.9 mmHg, standard deviation (SD) = 4.1 mmHg, p<0.05; SLT mean IOP change = 2.6 mmHg, SD=3.7 mmHg, p<0.05). MLT eyes were on fewer drops following treatment (Mean pre-treatment drops = 1.9, SD=1.3; mean post-treatment drops = 1.4, SD=1.6; p<0.05). MLT eyes had a greater decrease in the number of drops used than the SLT eyes (MLT mean change in number of drops = 0.6, SD=0.8; SLT mean change in number of drops = 0.1, SD=0.8; p<0.05). One eye was excluded from the SLT group because it underwent surgery. No eyes were excluded from the MLT group.
Conclusions:
MLT appears comparable to SLT laser and is an effective method for lowering IOP and reducing the number of eye drops used
Keywords: 578 laser •
568 intraocular pressure