Objective: Evaluation of the long term effects of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in
primary open angle glaucoma (POAG )patients.
Material and
methods: SLT Q switch Nd:YAG double frequency 532 nm was done in 94 POAG patients
(110 eyes). IOP was measured before the procedure and after 24 hrs, 1, 6 and 12
months. Decrease in IOP according to detected amount of pigment in the angle
was analysed.
Results: Mean IOP of 25.7 mmHg before the procedure
has been significantly decreased
(of mean 7.0 mmHg) 12 months after
SLT was done. Degree of these changes corresponded to the amount of pigment found in the angle. In eyes
without pigment decrease in IOP
was not significant (mean: 4.2 mmHg), while in eyes with heavily pigmented
angle IOP decrease was significant (mean: 8.0 mmHg).
Conclusion: 12 months after SLT procedure was done mean
decrease of 7.0 mmHg in IOP in primary open angle glaucoma patients was
achieved. Degree of IOP decrease corresponded to the amount of
pigment found in the angle.