Influence on Intraocular Pressure of Different Types of Anti-Inflammatory Treatments after Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the effect on intraocular pressure and on side effects of different anti-inflammatory treatments following selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT).

Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study with a control group was conducted. Ninety-six eyes of 67 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who underwent SLT were enrolled in this study between March 2009 and March 2012. Eyes recruited in the study were randomized to receive either prednisolone acetate 1% (steroid group) or diclofenac 0.1% (NSAID group) or a placebo (placebo group). The 3 treatments were administered 4 times a day for 5 days following SLT. The intraocular pressures were measured at regular intervals during the follow-up period (1 week, 4 to 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months). Side effects of the 3 treatments were also compared with a questionnaire as well as with the ocular exam.

Results: The analysis of the relative IOP diminution over the 6 months period revealed a significant difference between the 4 time points of follow-up (p < 0.0001), but no group effect (p = 0.2980). The average percent intraocular pressure reduction at 6 months following SLT was 20.88% ± 3.48% in the steroid group, 22.23% ± 3.20% in the NSAID group and 14.37% ± 4.10% in the placebo group (p = 0.2917). No significant difference regarding anterior chamber inflammation and discomfort was observed between the 3 groups.

Conclusions: There was no difference in intraocular pressure reduction, intraocular inflammation or ocular discomfort post SLT when comparing the 3 treatment modalities.

Keywords: 568 intraocular pressure • 466 clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: treatment/prevention assessment/controlled clinical trials • 578 laser