Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Egyptian Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Purpose: To assess the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) in Egyptian patients after selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as a primary or adjunctive treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Materials and Methods: One hundred and six eyes with POAG were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients were divided into two groups: recently diagnosed cases with no preoperative medications (group 1) and; patients with confirmed glaucoma on medical therapy (group 2). All patients underwent 360 degrees SLT. Patients were evaluated to 18 months postoperatively. Data were analyzed on postoperative changes in IOP, number of medications and complications. A P-value less than 0.05 was statistically significant. Results: A statistically significant drop in IOP occurred, from 19.55 4.8 mmHg preoperatively, to16.03 2.8 mmHg postoperatively (P < 0.001). Each group had a statistically significant drop in IOP (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant decrease in the number of medications in group 2 from 2.25 0.97 medications preoperatively to 1.0 1.3 medications postoperatively (P=0.004). No serious complications occurred for the duration of the study. Conclusion: SLT can be safely and effectively used as primary or adjunctive therapy for the treatment of POAG.