PURPOSE
The purpose of our
study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of intra-ocular pressure (IOP)
reduction with Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
METHODS
62 patients (107
eyes) enrolled for this study. They had either medically uncontrolled primary
open angle glaucoma, or medically uncontrolled ocular hypertension. Selective laser trabeculoplasty was
carried out using Coherent Selecta 7000, frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser.
After laser
treatment patients were maintained on the identical antiglaucoma drug regimen
as they were prior to SLT. AC
reaction, IOP’s, peripheral anterior synechiae, visual fields and subjective
discomfort were observed posttreatment.
RESULTS
Both groups
responded well to SLT showing similar IOP reduction over time (20%). 90% of
patients showed 3mmHg or more drop in intra-ocular pressure (IOP) This drop is
noted at day one with a subsequent rise over 7 days, with stability following
at approximately 6 weeks. A subgroup of late responders (10% of patients)
showed rise following treatment to pre-SLT levels with a late drop noted at 2 months
(average). Transient IOP elevation is seen in 8 % of patients and anterior
chamber activity in 12 % of patients. Peripheral Anterior Synechiae have not
been seen in any of these patients.
CONCLUSION
SLT is a safe &
effective procedure easy to perform with minimal discomfort to the patient. The
results are seen immediately as the IOP drop is seen on day one following
SLT. The effect is sustained
within the duration of trial to date (11 months). There have been no long term clinical side effects noted.