Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of selective laser trabeculoplasty in open angle glaucoma patients as a replacement for medical therapy. 64 eyes of 64 primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients under therapy with glaucoma drugs and controlled Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) were reviewed for 36 months. 360o selective laser therapy (SLT) sessions were performed in two sessions and the medical therapy was stopped. The patients were controlled and evaluated postoperatively 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after surgery for glaucoma progression. In 36 (56.3%) of the 64 patients SLT was successful and there was no need to medical treatment at 36th month. In 28 patients (43.7%) medical treatment was started due to IOP rising. In Logistic regression analysis baseline IOP was found to be significantly effective on success rate of SLT (R2: 0.718, p˂0.001).

The success rate of SLT on medicated POAG patients with controlled IOP is high. SLT could be considered as a serious alternative in patients who do not have advanced glaucoma, and have ocular surface problems.ss

Keywords: Primary open angle glaucoma; Selective laser trabeculoplasty; Ocular surface toxicity