Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:To determine wich factors may affect the efficacy of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) in ocular hypertension and glaucoma patients. Methods: Retrospective chart review including 223 eyes, 126 received 180 degrees and 97 underwent 360 degrees in 2 staged sessions, using the Coherent Selecta 7000 frequency–doubled q–switched Nd:Yag laser (532nm). IOP was evaluated at 2 and 6 months. Factors such as sex, age, diagnosis, OD/OS, unilateral or bilateral, phakic vs pseudoapahkic, number of spots, energy applied, technique (nasal/temp vs sup/inf), area treated, post–laser medication, SLT as primary treatment, baseline IOP, history of diabetes, and HBP were investigated to determine their influence over efficacy of SLT defined as >=20% of IOP reduction from baseline IOP. Results:Factors related to success were: less than 50 spots (p=0.01), power 20mmHg (p=0.001). Factors NOT related to success: sex, age, diagnosis, OD/OS, bilaterallity, phakic or pseudoaphakic, technique, post–laser medication, SLT as primary treatment, history of diabetes or HBP. Conclusions: SLT may be more effective when using fewer spots and less energy, and in patients with a baseline IOP greater than 20mmHg. Completing 360 degrees of area treated in 2 staged session increases the IOP lowering effect.
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: risk factor assessment • clinical research methodology • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: systems/equipment/techniques