Purpose:
To determine demographic and clinical factors that affect the outcomes of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
Material and Method:
In this retrospective study, we analyzed the medical records of 54 eyes of 39 patients who underwent SLT treatment for POAG. Effects of demographic characteristics including age, sex, treated eyes, and family history of glaucoma on SLT success were investigated. Effects of clinical features including baseline intraocular pressure (IOP), baseline number of antiglaucomatous medications, baseline cup to disc ratio (c/d), trabecular meshwork (TM) pigmentation, central corneal thickness, and number of laser spots on SLT success were also evaluated. Success was defined as a ≥ 20% reduction in IOP without additional medications, laser, or glaucoma surgery.
Results:
Overall, 1-year after SLT, the mean IOP reduction was 4.7±3.2 mmHg and the mean success rate was 59.3±6%. Among the all investigated factors, only baseline IOP was a significant predictor for the efficacy of SLT in POAG (p<0.001, r=570). The SLT success was 45±10% in patients with a baseline IOP values less than 21 mmHg and 72±8% in patients with a baseline IOP of 21 mmHg or higher (p=0.036). Other factors were not significantly associated with SLT treatment efficacy.
Discussion:
SLT success is significantly predicted by baseline IOP value. However, age, sex, family history of glaucoma, treated eye, baseline number of medications, c/d, degree of TM pigmentation, CCT, and number of laser spots are not associated with SLT efficacy. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2011; 41: 304-8)
Keywords: Selective laser trabeculoplasty, baseline intraocular pressure, primary open-angle glaucoma