Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) in the Treatment of Primary Angle Closure With Persistent Elevated IOP Following Iridotomy

Abstract

Purpose:: A multi-center study was conducted to determine whether SLT can lower IOP in eyes with primary angle closure and a patent iridotomy.

Methods:: Eyes with chronic angle closure that had been treated with iridotomy, had an IOP between 21 - 28 mmHg and a gonioscopically visible pigmented trabecular meshwork for at least 90 degrees were enrolled. SLT was applied to the open angle segments. Duration of follow-up was 6 months.

Results:: Sixty-seven eyes of 60 patients were treated . During the study period 2 eyes (3%) had trabeculectomy and were considered failures. The mean baseline IOP was 24.7±2.5 mmHg. Mean IOP reduction was 16.9% at 1 month and 21.9% at 6 months. IOP reduction of 2 mmHg or more was observed in 79% and 94% of eyes at 1 and 6 months, respectively. IOP reduction of 3 mmHg or more was observed in 68% and 75% of eyes at 1 and 6 months, respectively. There were no significant or persistent complications.

Conclusions:: SLT seems to be a safe, effective and simple method of reducing IOP in many eyes with primary angle closure and a patent iridotomy in which there is a sufficient extent of visible trabecular meshwork.

Keywords: laser • outflow: trabecular meshwork • intraocular pressure