Abstract
Purpose :
To characterize subject-specific outcomes following selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in Afro-Caribbean eyes with open-angle glaucoma (OAG).
Methods :
69 medically-treated adult OAG patients deemed at high risk for progression (due to elevated IOP, advanced disease, functional monocular status, inadequate medication adherence due to intolerance or unaffordability, etc) underwent a single 360-degree SLT in one or both eyes, as indicated, with no washout of current medical therapy. Prior to SLT, the specific goal of the procedure—to lower IOP or to reduce reliance on medications—was recorded for each subject. Reductions from baseline in mean IOP and in mean number of IOP-lowering medications were determined separately in the subgroup undergoing SLT to reduce IOP and the subgroup undergoing SLT to reduce reliance on IOP-lowering medications.
Results :
IOP and medication outcomes for right eyes are given in the Table (data for left eyes were similar and will be presented at the meeting). After a single SLT treatment, right eyes of subjects undergoing SLT for IOP reduction had significant IOP reductions through 2 years of follow-up, with no increase in medication use. Likewise, after a single SLT treatment, right eyes of subjects undergoing SLT for medication reduction had significant medication reductions through 2 years of follow-up, with no increase in IOP. SLT was well tolerated in all eyes with no unexpected complications.
Conclusions :
SLT in Afro-Caribbean eyes with high-risk OAG can effectively and safely lower IOP and the need for IOP-lowering medications.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.