Abstract
Purpose: :
This study evaluated and compared the efficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effects in pseudophakic patients at various time points after treatment.
Methods: :
Fifty-two eyes of 52 glaucoma patients with uncontrolled IOP who underwent successful phacoemulsification-assisted cataract excision surgery with intracapsular lens implantation were randomly assigned to be treated with either ALT (N = 30) or SLT (N = 22). IOP measurements were carried out at scheduled intervals until 12 months post-laser treatment.
Results: :
Forty-seven of the 52 enrollees (90%) were followed-up for 3 months, and thirty nine (75%) were followed-up for 12 months. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.011) in the IOP decrease between the ALT and SLT groups (2.55 mmHg vs. 4.26 mmHg, respectively) at 3 months but not at 6 or 12 months (3.73 Hg and 4.30 mmHg, respectively, p = 0.33) post treatment.
Conclusions: :
SLT is more effective then ALT in lowering IOP in new pseudophakic patients in the first 3 months after treatment. There is no significant difference in their IOP lowering capabilities thereafter. Both laser procedures are safe and effective for treating various types of glaucoma.
Keywords: laser • intraocular pressure