Selective laser trabeculoplasty for primary open angle glaucoma: six-year follow up

In order to establish the long-term efficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty for primary open-angle glaucoma [POAG], trabecular meshwork of 34 eyes (21 patients) with POAG was treated with Q-switched frequency doubled Nd-YAG laser with wavelength of 532 nm Coherent Selecta 7000 (SLT). The eyes were divided in two groups: group 1 - 18 eyes with pigmentation degree in the frontal chamber angle of 1 and 2; group 2 - 16 eyes with pigmentation degree of 3 and 4. An average of 104 spots on 360 degrees was applied stepwise to the trabecular meshwork of every eye. The treatment and follow up period lasted 6 years. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure [IOP] in group 1 was 25,5 +/- 1,5 mmHg, and in group 2 - 26 +/- 1 mmHg. During the last visit 6 years after SLT, the mean IOP in group 1 was 18.7 +/- 1.4 mmHg. Statistically significant decrease of IOP [p < 0.001] was observed after SLT by an average of 6,8 mmHg [26.7%]. During the last visit 6 years after SLT in group 2, the mean IOP was 18.8 +/- 1.2 mmHg. Statistically significant IOP decrease [p < 0.001] was observed after SLT by an average of 7.4 mmHg [28.6%]. Our results show that SLT is an effective method for POAG treatment and that IOP decrease in treated eyes is preserved for several years.