Purpose:
SLT is thought to increase trabecular outflow and prostaglandinsare beleived to increase uveoscleral outflow. We compared theaqueous dynamics changes following SLT and latanoprost treatmentin a group of previously untreated patients.
Methods:
Retrospective observational report. Since June 2007, all untreatedprimary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT)patients in our clinic are invited to have aqueous dynamic measurements,at baseline and 3 month post treatment: intraocular pressure(IOP) using pneumotonometry, tonography using the electronicSchiotz and fluorophotometry for aqueous flow. Patients werefree to chose between primary 360 degree SLT or medical treatment.
Results:
60 patients were identified from our database with baselineand 3 month data. 16 patients were excluded as they were treatedwith either timolol or bimatoprost. 20 had SLT and 24 had latanoprost,of which 5 SLT and 10 latanoprost patients were excluded dueto poor measurements. 16 eyes of 15 SLT treated patients and17 eyes of 14 latanoprost treated patients were included inthis report (Table 1). Mean IOP was reduced in each treatmentgroup: 24.2mmHg pre and 18.9mmHg post SLT (p<0.001), 24.5mmHgpre and 19.8mmHg post latanoprost (p<0.001) (Table 2). Tonographicoutflow facility improved from 0.095 to 0.156 in SLT (P=0.003),but did not change significantly in latanoprost (0.166 pre to0.160 post). Both treatments did not have significant effecton aqueous flow rate.
Conclusions:
SLT and latanoprost have slightly different effects on aqueousdynamics in that only SLT appeared to enchance tonographic outflowfacility significantly.
Keywords: outflow: trabecular meshwork • intraocular pressure • laser